Chile transport workers block highways over diesel price surge

Hundreds of transport workers in Chile blocked roads and highways across the country on Tuesday, halting traffic on major routes to demand relief from surging diesel prices. Talks between protest leaders and government officials failed to reach a resolution, and another meeting was expected on Wednesday.

Drivers of buses and lorries began the protest on Tuesday, gathering in convoys to halt traffic along major routes. The action is being organised by the Fuerza del Norte trade union, which represents around 80% of Chile’s lorry drivers, and by the No+TAG civic protest movement.

How much have diesel prices risen in Chile?

The average price of diesel in Chile has risen 74% since March, according to industry groups. Protest organisers say the increase has been driven by the war in Iran. Economic policy has also drawn scrutiny elsewhere in the region: during a visit to Argentina, Pope Leo XIV told President Javier Milei that the country’s economy must serve all.

What has the government said?

Economy Minister Daniel Mas called for further dialogue, but warned that “at some point, we will have to clear the highways”. Mas 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. Argentina received its first papal visit since 1987 when Pope Leo XIV opened a trip to the country.

What do bus operators and drivers say?

Juan Cornejo, president of the Association of Intercity Bus Owners, which represents 14 mid-sized companies, told AFP that “we’ve reached our limit”. “We’ve spent more than a month working with negative numbers,” he said. Claudio Elguezabal, a 47-year-old lorry driver who joined a protest near the capital, 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.”

What happens next?

Andrés Alarcón, a spokesman for No+TAG, said after Tuesday’s talks broke down: “There is no point of agreement with the government that could offer any perspective to find solutions for everyone,” adding that “the strike continues”. A further meeting between government officials and protest leaders was expected on Wednesday. No agreement had been announced.

Frequently asked questions

Why are transport workers in Chile blocking highways?

They are demanding relief from diesel prices that industry groups say have risen 74% since March. The blockades are organised by the Fuerza del Norte trade union and the No+TAG civic movement.

Did talks between the Chilean government and protest leaders succeed?

No. Talks broke down on Tuesday and another meeting was expected on Wednesday. No+TAG spokesman Andrés Alarcón said after the failure that “the strike continues”.

What has Chile’s economy minister said about the protests?

Economy Minister Daniel Mas called for further dialogue but warned that “at some point, we will have to clear the highways”, saying the protests were affecting economic activity and exports.

Who represents Chile’s lorry drivers in the protest?

The Fuerza del Norte trade union, which represents around 80% of Chile’s lorry drivers, is organising the action together with the No+TAG civic protest movement.

With reporting from BBC News.

Stock image, not from the events described. City Skyline — Joe deSousa / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)