Trucking unions in Chile have voiced their opposition to a new hike in fuel prices. In an official statement, the affected sectors warned of the complications this increase causes to cost structures and the national logistics chain.
The unions expressed their “strongest possible rejection of any new fuel price increases, as fuel is the engine that drives the nation.” The statement comes in response to recent fluctuations in fuel prices, with a particular focus on diesel.
The document details that three weeks ago, the government implemented a historic increase of over 65% in diesel prices. This move directly impacted sector operations, adding 580 pesos per liter to transport companies' cost structures.
Impact on national logistics
The change in fuel prices has a direct effect on distribution services. Organizations estimate that this hike will force existing transport rates to increase by more than 25%.
The groups also questioned the lack of government intervention to mitigate the economic impact. They denounced the absence of official measures to facilitate the pass-through of these higher costs to cargo owners, in both the public and private sectors.
“Unfortunately, there is no decisive or proactive official or public call to private and state cargo owners to ensure these dramatic increases are passed through to transport rates,” the statement claims.
The union warned that the lack of a concrete institutional response puts the stability of the sector at risk. Representatives noted that the absence of mechanisms to offset operating costs creates a complex situation for the distribution of goods across the country.
The letter concludes with a warning regarding potential industrial action. “If there are no clear and concrete responses... to ensure higher costs are passed through and new fuel hikes are immediately halted, there will be consequences,” the organizations stated.