Mexicans march against gas price hike, little looting

Mexico City: Looting has largely subsided in Mexico following a 20 per cent hike in gasoline prices, but protests are continuing.

The Interior Department reported that more than 1,500 people have been detained for looting or disturbances nationwide since protests began early in the week.

It is unclear how many have been charged. Hundreds of stores were looted, mainly on Wednesday and Thursday. Police protection of stores has been stepped up since.

The federal police reported continued protests, and some highway blockages, yesterday.

Thousands of people marched down main avenues in the western city of Guadalajara yesterday to protest the increases, which are part of a government effort to deregulate fuel prices.