share: digg facebook twitter LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Protests against a sharp increase in fuel prices intensified and turned violent in Bolivia on Thursday, as thousands of demonstrators demanded President Evo Morales' government repeal the hike. Gasoline prices immediately soared by 73 percent and diesel prices went up by 83 percent, leading to a rapid increases in transport and food prices in the Andean country. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters, who hurled stones at officers, the vice presidential office, a union headquarters and two ministry buildings. Responding to the protests, Morales' government has announced steps aimed at mitigating the economic effects — including 20 percent salary increases for public workers aimed at offsetting higher fuel prices.