By Leslie Sanroman, Courier Staff Writer 

Screenshot 2017-01-26 at 12.53.10 PMMexico’s gas prices are increasing dramatically and causing fear and rage throughout the country.

Starting January 1 of 2017, the gas prices throughout all of Mexico were going to increase, according to President Peña Nieto. This is creating many riots and violence throughout the entire country. Millions of people are angry at Peña Nieto for letting something like this happen to the country.

A lot of Americans do not see the problem with the gas prices going up because they are comparing it to how much money it is in the U.S. However, many don’t realize the salary and pay difference that the U.S and Mexico have. For people in Mexico, 18 pesos a gallon is ridiculously high, unlike in the U.S 2-3 dollars a gallon is not much out of the weekly pay. It is a very big problem that most Americans are judging and not beginning to realize how bad it is affecting people.

The increase in gas prices is also known as “gasolinazo”. The hashtag and word was trending throughout Mexico and even the United States.  It’s a problem that Mexico’s citizens are angry about. Citizens even stopped paying tickets and many other things to show their anger, but nothing seems to stop the prices going up.

Citizens believe that this increase in gas prices is going to hurt them economically and are doing everything in their power to stop it from happening. People began to riot by causing fires.  The citizens also made signs and spread them throughout social media in order to spread awareness to the disaster.  Gas stations wouldn’t sell gas in many towns and cities as a sign of protest. People are hurt and angry seeing what is becoming of their country.

According to many citizens of a small town named Tlacuitapa, Jalisco ,that had no gas for a long time, felt fear about what was going to happen. A lot of them needed to go out of their small towns and into the big cities to go to work, or get things for the house, etc, but they could not because of the lack of gas. It is having a big effect on many people and their everyday lives.

“This gas problem is just the start of many worse, by the looks of it it’s just going downhill from now on.” Eutimio Ulloa stated.

Ulloa had a very painful look on his face that demonstrated his worry and sadness about what was going on.

A great amount of citizens were also worried because they were talking about how they barely have enough to put food on the table for their families with the money they make. With gas being expensive, they’re going to have to either work more hours or try and find a way to make sure they’re only spending money on things they really need.

People fear for their lives and what will come next living with the president. They are sure he will leave them in poverty and continue to make their country go from bad to worse.