GAS

In Chilean news, this week there has been a massive protest in the South, where the people are hugely dependent on gas (more so than in the mid to northern regions because it is so much colder there throughout the year). It is set to rise by 3%. (see BBC link below - apparently actually up to 17% rise)



However, what this video doesn't show is that there are hundreds of people, tourists especially, who are trapped and unable to get home. One of Zelma's daughters, Annie, has been here in Viña with us this week, and her husband and son, along with Danny's sister and family, were in Torres del Paine (a national park, see photo below) for a Christian camp, and are now trapped there (with no phone signal either).

No one is being allowed in or out of the park, and the same thing in the nearest town, and then from there to Punta Arenas, and from there access has been blocked to the airport. We heard that they were going to allow a window of one hour for people with medical problems to leave Torres del Paine today. There isn't any signal there, and the people are camping, probably without provisions enough to last them for much longer.

Was having a look online for more information and found an article written by PHIL LOCKER HIMSELF.

So amaze.

Anyhow. The whole thing seems absolutely mad to me. It's as though these people are being held hostage until the government refute the increase of 3%.

Poor Annie's been on the phone all day trying to find out if everyone's ok.

*UPDATE 16/11/11
BBC article here.