Speaking on his weekly television program , `` Alo Presidente , '' Chavez railed against merchants who re-price their items in reaction to Friday 's announcement that the Venezuelan bolivar currency , which had been fixed at 2.15 to the U.S. dollar since 2005 , was devalued to 4.3 to the dollar . Venezuela : Hugo Chavez announces devaluation of country 's currency . People rush to stores , fearing devaluation will cause higher prices . Venezuela : ` ` There is absolutely no reason for anyone to raise the prices of anything '' Chavez threatens to expropriate companies that raise prices .
Venezuela : Hugo Chavez announces devaluation of country 's currency . People rush to stores , fearing devaluation will cause higher prices . Venezuela : ` ` There is absolutely no reason for anyone to raise the prices of anything '' Chavez threatens to expropriate companies that raise prices .