[This is an EXCERPT: read the whole article here. Also see the related articles below. -Ed.]

Recalling the suburban gas riots of 1979
By Derrick Nunnally

"This much can be said for the advent of the $4 gallon of gas: It has not driven anyone to run riot. Yet.

"Twenty-nine years ago, service-station owner Steven Lankin watched as a summer-night Levittown crowd seething over gas rationing, two-hour lines at the pumps, and a then-stunning hike to $1 a gallon turn violent.

"What began as a truckers' gas-crisis protest lasted two nights, June 23 and 24, 1979. It drew thousands of people and left 100 people injured, nearly 200 arrested, and one Shell station shattered in the first gasoline revolt in American history."

"In Levittown now, the car is still vital; any price difference between Lankin's pumps and those at a station across the street will draw in a line of customers even during a quiet weekday afternoon."

Lorry drivers converge on London in fuel protest
27 May 2008 | The Guardian (London)
"Hundreds of lorry drivers converged on London and Cardiff today to demand the government cut fuel duty, complaining that high diesel costs are forcing them out of business."

140 students arrested in Jakarta fuel protest riot
24 May 2008 | People's Daily Online (China)
"The Indonesian Police on Saturday arrested 140 students during a raid into Jakarta's National University to control violent protests against fuel price hikes."

French Fishermen Hurl Flares at Riot Police in Paris Clash Over Rising Fuel Costs
21 May 2008 | Associated Press
"Fishermen angry over spiraling fuel costs skirmished Wednesday with riot police near Napoleon's Tomb in Paris — part of a wave of protests in France on issues from planned pensions reform to soaring oil prices."

Bristol business owner plans gas price protest
29 Apr 2008 | Kingsport Times-News (Tennessee)
“Our country is in a crisis right now. The rising price of gas is beginning to impact other products and goods. The price of groceries is going up. The price of my grass seed, my supplies and other things I need have begun to be marked up because of how fuel costs are impacting suppliers,” he added.

Truck Drivers Protest High Gas Prices In D.C.
28 Apr 2008 | NBC
"The national average price of a gallon of regular gasoline is a record $3.51, according to a recent survey of stations by AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. The price for diesel -- used to transport most food, industrial and commercial goods -- is $4.20 a gallon.

"'The high price for oil is hurting our economy,' organizer Mark Kirsch said. 'This isn't just about truckers, this is about United States citizens overall.'"