The Americas

Mexicans march against gas price hike, little looting

Associated Press
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Protesters hold sings against fuel price hikes, that read in Spanish "No more gasoline price hike," "Corrupt Politicians" and "No more stealing with gasoline price hikes," in Mexico City, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. Sometimes-violent protests and looting over gasoline price hikes in Mexico are continuing and officials say that so far they've left one policeman dead and five injured, 300 stores looted and over 600 people arrested. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) (The Associated Press)

Supermarket displays stand empty and looted following protests caused by a 20 percent hike in gasoline prices, in Veracruz, Mexico, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. 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. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez) (The Associated Press)

Protesters demonstrate against fuel price hikes in Mexico City, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. Sometimes-violent protests and looting over gasoline price hikes in Mexico are continuing and officials say that so far they've left one policeman dead and five injured, 300 stores looted and over 600 people arrested. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) (The Associated Press)

Looting has largely subsided in Mexico following a 20 percent 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, on Saturday.

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