Government subsidies to energy are widespread and represent a heavy burden on public budgets in many countries. Both producers and consumers may be subsidized; the most common subsidies are for motor fuel consumption and electricity production and consumption. The subsidies to consumers often...

Recent volatility in commodity prices has resulted in riots and demonstrations in an array of countries. From truck drivers in the United States to fisherman in Japan, citizens have sought remedy recently from their governments to increasing prices that jeopardize their livelihood and...