Venezuelan security forces fire tear gas at people protesting against food shortages

Sputnik
Thu, 02 Jun 2016 21:02 UTC

© AFP 2016/ JUAN BARRETO

Venezuelan security forces are deploying tear gas against demonstrators in the country's capital of Caracas, as people are protesting against food shortages, local media reported Thursday.

According to El Nacional newspaper, the protesters are blocking the streets and banging pots, while some are trying to loot local establishments.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared an economic emergency in Venezuela in January. The announcement came two days after Venezuela's oil price dropped to $24 a barrel, the lowest mark in 12 years. Up to 96 percent of Venezuela's budget depends on oil revenues. The measure has since been extended.

The latest high-profile victim of the economic crisis in Venezuela was the country's independent Coca-Cola bottler FEMSA, which halted production because of a sugar shortage. Last month, Venezuela's largest food and beverage company Polar Group said it was suspending making beer and other malt beverages because of shortages in barley.