Venezuela prepares public for hikes in gas prices

Venezuela's socialist government has launched a flurry of TV commercials and newspaper ads aimed at persuading the public they pay too little for gasoline. It's hard to argue they don't in this oil-rich but cash-strapped country where gas sells for $.15 a litre, or less than 60 US cents a gallon, the world's cheapest. But the last government that tried to raise prices, in 1989, ignited riots that left hundreds dead nationwide. This time, the government of President Nicolas Maduro seems to be gingerly preparing the public with a major ad campaign. More…