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Runaway Cost of Oxygen Tanks Adds Extra Agony to Pandemic in Mexico

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - A shortage of oxygen tanks in Mexico City and a fourfold rise in prices for the life-saving gas are compounding the coronavirus crisis for the sprawling capital's hard-hit inhabitants.

In the metro area, home to some 22 million people, more than 20 medical oxygen distributors consulted by Reuters this week had no tanks in stock. Lines stretch for hours at the few stores with available inventory.

If buyers do get lucky, the price to refill a 24-hour tank costs around US$160, more than 20 times the country's minimum daily wage . . .

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