In 2007, the Burmese government (as a result of financial strain) removed fuel subsidies without any announcement, creating a leap in fuel prices for the nation. As a result, demonstrations against the price range erupted, and independent media organizations began recording the events. Eventually, the boycott against the prices for fuel led grabbed the attention of Buddhist monks, who launched a selective social boycott of refusing to collect alms from generals in an act of defiance. The goal of the boycotts was not only to remove the fuel subsidies, but also to enact larger political change and give more power to the demonstrators and citizens of Burma.