OMM Newsroom
Hundreds of transport workers in Chile have blocked roads and highways in a protest over rising fuel prices, BBC World reported.
Bus and lorry drivers began demonstrating on Tuesday, assembling in convoys to halt traffic on major routes. They are calling for relief from surging diesel prices, which have risen amid the war in Iran.
Talks between government officials and protest leaders failed to reach an agreement, with another meeting expected on Wednesday. The protest is organised by the Fuerza del Norte trade union, which represents about 80% of Chile’s lorry drivers, and the No+TAG civic protest movement.
“There is no point of agreement with the government that could offer any perspective to find solutions for everyone,” No+TAG spokesman Andrés Alarcón said after Tuesday’s talks broke down. “The strike continues,” he added.
Economy Minister Daniel Mas urged further dialogue but warned that “at some point, we will have to clear the highways”. He said the protests were affecting economic activity and exports, adding: “We need to get the country moving again.”
The government of President José Antonio Kast has faced public discontent over fuel prices for months. Industry groups say the average price of diesel has risen 74% since March.
Juan Cornejo, president of the Association of Intercity Bus Owners, which represents 14 mid-sized companies, told AFP: “We’ve reached our limit.” He added: “We’ve spent more than a month working with negative numbers.”
Lorry driver Claudio Elguezabal, who joined a protest near Santiago on Tuesday morning, said the situation was unsustainable. “Right now I’m not making any profit. Sometimes you even have to put in your own money to cover the client,” the 47-year-old said, according to AFP.
