Chile's transport sector has issued a warning regarding a potential breakdown in the national supply chain following the confirmed hike in fuel prices for this Thursday. Industry groups warned that the increase will directly impact product distribution and the cost of living, according to reports from cooperativa.cl.
Raúl Clist, president of Chile Transporte, noted that rising diesel prices have direct consequences for freight logistics. He argued that the country's operational stability is at risk due to mounting operating costs.
"The most significant consequence we will face is the breakdown of the country's supply chain, which serves as our backbone. For every kilometer we drive, we lose between 250 and 300 pesos," Clavero stated, as reported by the outlet.
The industry leader emphasized that freight-generating companies must shoulder a larger portion of these costs to prevent a collapse in distribution.
Impact on fares and rates
Meanwhile, the Association of Interprovincial Buses expressed concern regarding the passing of costs on to passengers. Carolina Navarrete, the entity's general manager, warned that current measures are insufficient.
Navarrete did not rule out an increase in interurban ticket prices. "Every fuel hike directly impacts interurban transport and the pockets of millions of people (...) if real and timely measures are not taken, this new increase will ultimately be passed on to fares," she indicated.
Regarding shared taxis (taxis colectivos), Héctor Sandoval, president of the National Confederation of Shared Taxis, reported that difficulties in applying for sector-specific subsidies are beginning to stabilize. Following a meeting with the Minister of Transport, an additional deadline was established for those who were unable to complete the process.
From an economic perspective, Gustavo Díaz, an economist at the Libertad Institute, projected an inflationary effect in the coming months. Díaz estimated that by April and May, inflation could rise between 0.2 and 0.5 percentage points above usual levels.
By June or July, fluctuations could reach an additional 0.5 to 1.5 points, the specialist explained. This scenario unfolds while the exchange rate remains near 886 pesos, driven by rising copper prices in international markets.
