Monday, December 09, 2002

Strike Sparks Panic Buying of Gasoline in Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela — A general strike aimed at ousting leftist President Hugo Chavez sparked panic buying across Venezuela as it entered its second week Monday, pushing the national guard to commandeer delivery trucks and force gas stations to open.

The indefinite strike has crippled the oil industry of the world's fifth-largest producer as wells, refineries, tanker ships, delivery centers and gas stations have stopped operating in a gradual shutdown that would take weeks to reverse.

The strike has forged a deep divide between supporters of Chavez and those who want him toppled. It has stopped shipments of crude to the United States, which buys more than 10 percent of its imported oil from Venezuela.

It has also sparked violence. Three people were killed and 28 wounded Friday night when gunmen opened fire at an opposition rally. Six suspects in the shooting were brought before a judge Sunday, and police held back incensed opposition supporters outside