On Monday, Chile's major freight transport unions submitted a formal petition to the Undersecretaries of Economy, Transport, and Mining, warning of an unsustainable financial crisis facing the sector.
Leaders from Chile Transporte, CNTC, CNDC, and Agetich met with officials to demand urgent measures to curb rising fuel costs and protect national logistics.
The letter submitted to the government highlights that a more than 65% surge in diesel prices three weeks ago added 580 pesos per liter to operating costs. According to the document, this spike necessitates a more than 25% increase in transport rates.
Logistics chain crisis
Carriers are criticizing the lack of an official stance that would require both private and state-owned freight generators to absorb these costs. The unions warned that if concrete responses are not provided and price hikes are not halted, the sector will face significant repercussions.
"The statement is clear and unambiguous, and we hope the President takes note of the situation and uses every possible means to stabilize fuel prices," said Sergio Pérez, president of the CNTC.
Pérez also expressed hope that the international situation would normalize to stabilize prices. During the meeting, the Undersecretaries pledged to engage in dialogue with freight generators to ensure they consider the new diesel rates.
This pressure from the unions comes amid the threat of further imminent increases. According to projections from Clapes UC, diesel prices could rise by another 63 pesos per liter this Thursday, while gasoline is expected to increase by approximately 36.5 pesos.
