More than 5,000 Jordanians took to the streets across the country yesterday protesting rising prices for fuel and foodstuffs.

University students, leftists and labour activists staged rallies in five cities - Amman, Irbid, Karak, Salt and Maan - waving Jordanian flags, carrying placards and chanting for Prime Minister Samir Rifai to step down.

Police formed rings around the demonstrators to contain the protests. There were no reports of arrests or violence.