Nigeria: January 16, 2002

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Labor unions called for general strike's to protest an increase in the price of gasoline and kerosene. Many of the demonstrations have turned violent and looting has occurred. The price's are among the lowest in the world (72 cents a gallon for gas) and the corrupt state run oil industry is rarely able to meet the domestic demand. Raising the prices should enable the nation to pay its debts, but most Nigerians feel that the additional money will be stolen just like most other taxes and fees collected by the government. Courts have declared the strikes illegal.