In a bid to contain rising prices in the face of mounting street anger, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has set out a plan to help struggling families.<br /><br /> Flanked by his cabinet and business leaders he has vowed to keep prices of essential goods stable, to cut salaries of senior government officials and to encourage capital repatriation.<br /><br /> “Be confident that we will do all that is necessary so that the adjustment in petrol prices will have the least possible impact on family finances. Today Mexico has a strong, dynamic and competitive economy.”<br /><br /> It has been a 20 percent hike in the price of petrol which has angered Mexicans the most. The government’s decision to cut fuel subsidies from January 1 has sparked widespread and often violent protests.<br /><br /> Demonstrators have blocked roads and gas stations, and looting of shops has led to hundreds of arrests.<br /><br /> The rise in petrol prices is part of a government liberalisation programme aimed at gradually bringing prices up to market level. Some analysts are already expecting inflation to crest above the central bank’s four percent ceiling. <br /><br /> Along with inflation Mexico is also facing a slump in foreign investment following Donald Trump’s economic threats.<br />
