Only vehicles with number plates ending in an odd number were allowed, with exemptions for taxis, electric cars and ambulances.

If such proposals make significant improvement on the business, special award will be given after being reviewed by the management and approved by the headquarters.

On January 13th Mr Chavez backed away from an unpopular but necessary plan, announced a day earlier, to impose national four-hour power cuts every other day—sparing Caracas from the measure.