The World : Gas Prices Irk Jamaicans

Hundreds of Jamaicans blocked roads in major cities with burning tires and tree branches to protest the government’s decision to raise the prices of gasoline, kerosene and propane by about 20%. Businesses, schools and government offices were closed, domestic flights were grounded and the opening session of Parliament was canceled. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds in Kingston, the capital. Two deaths were reported. In the second big increase in 13 months, the price of gasoline went from the equivalent of $1.81 to $2.19 a gallon.