Politics · Other · 11 hrs ago
Chile transport workers block highways over rising fuel prices
Transport workers blocked roads across Chile on Tuesday to protest rising fuel prices.
The action involved bus and lorry drivers, with blockades disrupting key routes and access to ports.
Organisers include the Fuerza del Norte union and the No+TAG movement; one source says the country's two largest transport associations did not join.
Drivers are demanding government relief from fuel costs, which have squeezed their businesses.
Diesel prices have risen 74% since March, according to industry groups, and the rise has been linked to the war in Iran and wider global tensions.
The blockades are disrupting traffic and economic activity, including exports and port access.
Talks between government officials and protest leaders have not reached agreement, and another meeting is expected on Wednesday.
The government has said it will pursue further dialogue, but also warned it may clear the highways.
Hundreds of transport workers blocked roads and highways across Chile to protest rising fuel prices.
The stoppage was called by the Fuerza del Norte transport union and the No+TAG movement.
Protesters are seeking government measures to contain fuel prices and changes to fuel-price and tax policies.
Talks between government officials and protest leaders failed to reach agreement, and another meeting was expected on Wednesday.
The government said the blockades were disrupting economic activity and exports, and called for further dialogue.
- Who
- Bus and lorry drivers, organised by Fuerza del Norte and No+TAG.
- What
- They blocked roads and highways in a protest over rising fuel prices and are seeking government measures to contain costs.
- When
- The protests began on Tuesday; another meeting was expected on Wednesday.
- Where
- Across Chile, including routes near Santiago and the north-south highway, and access to ports including Iquique.
- Why
- Drivers say surging fuel costs are putting pressure on their businesses. The BBC linked rising diesel prices to the war in Iran.
Transport workers and protest organisers
Chilean government
Fuel prices and business impact
Transport workers and protest organisers
Drivers say rising fuel costs have made their work unsustainable and are demanding measures to contain prices.
Chilean government
The government said the protests were affecting economic activity and exports.
Response to the blockades
Transport workers and protest organisers
Protest leaders said the strike would continue after talks failed to produce agreement.
Chilean government
Economy Minister Daniel Mas called for further dialogue and warned that the highways would have to be cleared.
The government said it would seek to use fiscal savings to support MEPCO.
Truck and bus drivers staged strikes and blockades across Chile.
Talks between government officials and protest leaders failed to reach agreement.
Another meeting between the government and protest leaders was expected.
- Diesel price rise
- 74% since March, according to industry groups
- Organisers
- Fuerza del Norte and No+TAG
- Expected trucker turnout
- Around 4,000, according to the organisers
- Port affected
- Iquique
- Proposed fuel-price limit
- A bill to prevent weekly increases of more than 20 pesos per liter was planned
3 sources
What people are saying
There is no point of agreement with the government that could offer any perspective to find solutions for everyone
at some point, we will have to clear the highways
we've reached our limit
Right now I'm not making any profit. Sometimes you even have to put in your own money to cover the client.