Transport companies in Bolivia launched an indefinite strike on Monday in protest at an 83 per cent hike in petrol prices. The association representing bus and taxi operators said the stoppage crippled transport in the South American nation's most important town and cities. In an attempt to cushion the effects of the strike, the government requestioned military vehicles to get people to work in the capital, La Paz. The government increased petrol prices by 83 per cent on Sunday in a bid to stop smuggling to neighbouring countries, as dpa reported. Prior to the increase, petrol cost the equivalent of 52 US cents per litre, double what it costs in Peru and three times what people in Chile have to pay. The price on petrol in Bolivia was last raised five years ago by then president Carlos Mesa. The opposition, at the time led by current head of state Evo Morales, used the increase to stage a general strike, which ultimately led to the end of Mesa's term in power.
