Mexico Hikes Gasoline Taxes

Despite strong opposition, this month Mexico

Not surprisingly, the tax increase has been controversial. Former presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the PRD party has protested the tax hike and is calling for a left-wing coalition to defeat it. Critics say the gasolinazo will accelerate inflation, a concern in Mexico as the prices of corn and other staples have increased in recent months. The government, which froze gasoline and diesel prices in the second half of 2007 to help stem inflation, believes the tax