Transit strike over high fuel prices blocks roads in Chile

Hundreds of truckers and bus drivers in Chile launched an indefinite strike on Tuesday to protest high fuel prices, blocking roads and major highways.

Hundreds of transport workers gathered at various points of Route 5, which runs the length of Chile from north to south, to demand relief from surging diesel prices, which are widely relied on in the sector.

The average price of diesel has risen 74% since March — driven by the war in Iran — threatening many transport companies, according to industry groups.

A Tuesday afternoon meeting between government officials and protest leaders failed to reach a resolution.

The far-right government of Jose Antonio Kast has faced public discontent over fuel prices for months.

In March, shortly after taking office, Kast changed a state mechanism to cushion sharp price increases, passing the surge in prices on to consumers.

Transport workers are scheduled to meet Wednesday with Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado to continue negotiations.

Truck driver Claudio Elguezabal joined the protest near Santiago in the morning Tuesday, saying he had no choice.

“Right now I’m not making any profit,” the 47-year-old said. “Sometimes you even have to put in your own money to cover the client.”

Juan Cornejo, president of the Association of Intercity Bus Owners, represents 14 mid-sized companies and said “we’ve reached our limit.”

“We’ve spent more than a month working with negative numbers,” Cornejo said.

On Monday, Kast announced a bill to control diesel and gasoline prices for 90 days.

Cornejo called that measure “a joke” and demanded deeper changes from the government.