Khartoum , Sudan ( CNN ) -- Civic unrest over a spike in gas prices roiled Sudan for a fourth straight day Wednesday , with gunshots ringing out around the capital of Kharthoum and elsewhere as government forces tried to clamp down . High school- and college-age youths played a big part the first demonstration Sunday -- a day before the price hikes went into effect -- in Wad Madani , a city about 190 kilometers ( 120 miles ) southeast of Khartoum . One student died of gunshots during that protest . Police said that it was not known where the fatal shot came from , though activists on social media blamed police . Hundreds joined in similar demonstrations that broke out around the country in the subsequent days . Witnesses said some of these outbursts of public sentiment were accompanied by violence and destruction , including attacks on gas stations , damaging of buses and looting of stores . The ruling party 's offices in different parts of Khartoum also came under attack . Police responded with tear gas , according to witnesses . There was no indication the tension was abating by Wednesday night , when the Internet appeared out and gunfire could be heard around the capital -- though it could not immediately be discerned where police or armed activists were responsible . The origin of the unrest is a government policy , which has been debated for more than a month , to get its economic house in order . As part of that plan , the Sudanese government lifted its subsidy on gas -- leading to prices nearly doubling overnight when the policy took effect early this week . That 's had a trickle down effect on other expenses as well , such as bus fares , and it 's expected to lead to a major uptick in food prices over the coming weeks . Aid worker dies after attack in nation of South Sudan . Journalist Isma'il Kushkush reported for CNN from Sudan . CNN 's Greg Botelho contributed to this report .
Sudanese protests over economic reforms and gas subsidies , leading to price hikes . One is shot dead in Wad Madani ; police claim that it 's not him who shot him . Witnesses : Gas stations , buses , political rallies are closed amid protests .