Chile protests turn deadly as Latin America buckles under rising energy prices

[phantom power]

Santiago, Chile - Two people in the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas were killed Tuesday night when a truck ran into the barricade where they were protesting the government's plan to increase natural gas prices.

The world's southernmost city, with a population of 110,000, remained largely paralyzed today by a general strike as local residents and elected officials demand that the national government maintain subsidies on natural gas, which is widely used in the region to power vehicles, heat homes, and provide energy for businesses.

The protests are the latest in a wave of anger in Latin America as governments attempt to reconcile budgets with energy prices, which have climbed to levels not seen since the record highs of 2008.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2011/0112/Chile-protests-turn-deadly-as-Latin-America-buckles-under-rising-energy-prices