Iraqis protest as goverment hikes fuel prices (as much as 3x the amount)

[sabra]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LON958602.htm

Iraqis protest as goverment hikes fuel prices


BAGHDAD, Dec 19 (Reuters) - Angry Iraqis staged protests across the country on Monday after the government raised fuel prices as much as threefold in a bid to revive the economy.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the streets of Najaf, Kerbala, Sulaimaniya and other towns following the decision, which pushed up the price of fuel for cooking and heating as well as petrol.

The government defended the move, saying fuel was still cheap in Iraq and the hike in prices was necessary to bolster the flagging economy.

Premium gasoline rose by 200 percent while diesel jumped by the same amount. Regular gasoline rose by 150 percent and bottled household gas by 100 percent.