For many Mexicans, 2017 has got off to a shaky start. This is due primarily to increasing fuel costs for cars, which spiked by around 20% overnight (it now takes 20% of the minimum daily wage to buy 1 liter of gasoline) thanks to a practice known as gasolinazo, or “gasoline price gouging”. Another reason for mass dissatisfaction is the appointment of a controversial figure at the forefront of Mexico's foreign policy. Together, these issues have resulted in daily protests online and on the streets, highlighting the extent to which social discontent has increased across the country. The consistent gasoline price hikes are in direct opposition to the promises made by politicians, including President Enrique Peña, following revisions to constitutional laws on “Energy Reforms” outlined by the president in August 2013, as well as subsequent amendments relating to treasury matters. As stated by the president at that time: 2) Gracias a la Reforma Hacendaria, por 1era. vez en 5 años, ya no habrá incrementos mensuales a los precios de la gasolina, diésel y gas LP — Enrique Peña Nieto (@EPN) January 5, 2015 2) As a result of the Treasury Reforms, for the 1st time in 5 years, there will be no monthly increases to the price of gasoline, diesel and LP gas. Alongside the essential aspects of the reform set forth by the president and approved by the legislature, permission has also been granted to allow private companies to generate and distribute products derived from petroleum and electricity thus opening the industry up to competition. This has weakened the prior monopoly held by the state over all energy-based activities. However, far from benefiting the general population, the price of gasoline has increased, even as global petrol prices have fallen. Thousands of citizens have voiced their dissatisfaction with the government following the latest gasolinazo which took effect on January 1. No cabe duda que éste año como Frida Kahlo, pinta de la chingada #ford#gasolinazo#Dolar — el choco!!! (@Elpinchechoco) January 4, 2017 There's no doubt that this year is going to be pretty fucked up #ford #gasolinazo #Dolar Detrás del #gasolinazo estan los #saqueos de la #ReformaEnergetica aprobada x todos los partidos. URGE QUE LOS TRABAJADORES SALGAN A LUCHAR! — Anti-imperialista (@MariposaConejo) January 5, 2017 Behind #gasolinazo is the looting (#saqueos) from the Energy Reforms (#ReformaEnergetica), approved by all parties. I URGE ALL WORKERS TO STAND UP AND FIGHT! Ricardo Kossak gave the following explanation: Falso que #gasolinazo sea por precio mundial de la gasolina Es por impuestos derivados del boquete fiscal dejado por la #reformaenergética — Ricardo Kossak (@Kossak87) January 5, 2017 Not true that #gasolinazo has to do with global gasoline prices. It has to do with taxes caused by the financial hole left by the Energy Reforms (#reformaenergética) Political analyst and director of Grupo Consultor Interdisciplinario, S.C., Alfonso Zárate commented: Creo que el tema no es el gasolinazo, éste es solo el detonante de un hartazgo ante corrupción desbordada y cinismo de la clase gobernante. — Alfonso Zárate (@alfonsozarate) January 4, 2017 I don't believe this is about gasolinazo, that is just the trigger for the discontent caused by overwhelming corruption and the arrogance of the ruling class. Outrage has not been restricted to social media. People are also blocking streets and highways to protest the hike in prices. Some owners are choosing to close service stations in which the fuel is being sold — other stations have been forcibly shut down by protesters — thereby creating a shortage. Twitter user Leonadro Delgado was amongst those calling for a blockade of service stations: Sal a protestar, bloquea gasolineras, no compres gasolinas, o haz lo que creas conveniente ¡PERO HAZ ALGO! #ReversaAlGasolinazo — Leonardo Delgado (@Leonardo11mx) January 4, 2017 Go out and protest, block the service stations, don't buy gasoline or do whatever you think best; BUT DO SOMETHING! Overturn Gasolinazo (#ReversaAlGasolinazo) Naturally, increases to prices for public transport, food and practically all other services are expected as a result of gasolinazo, which would further inflame the hard-up general public. President Peña, who, in April 2016, noted a “collective bad temperedness in Mexico”, had been out of the limelight for nearly two weeks due to annual leave. He reappeared on January 4 to make a controversial announcement which only served to further fuel the discontent.