Frustration after Tunisia border shut over deadly blast

Tunis: Petrol prices spiked, shops closed and trucks that plied the desert to Libya have vanished since Tunisia shut the border following a deadly bus bombing in the capital.

In the town of Ben Guerdane, and across southeastern Tunisia, the mood is morose with residents concerned for their future since authorities imposed the 15-day border closure last week.

The decision was taken as part of security measures following Tuesday`s suicide bombing that killed 12 presidential guards in Tunis, which was claimed by the Islamic State group.

Authorities say the attack, like two others this year claimed by IS, was planned in Libya where the jihadist group has exploited chaos that spread since the 2011 revolution to gain a presence.

"The terrorists attack in the centre of the capital, 200 metres (yards) from the interior ministry, and we 600 kilometres (370 miles) away must pay the price," said Nejib, a teacher, in Ben Guerdane.