Chile’s freight transport organizations warned the José Antonio Kast administration on Monday that they would implement "consequences" if new fuel price hikes are not halted. The threat follows the historic surge in gasoline prices recorded on March 26.
In a joint statement, the unions criticized the lack of "clear and concrete" responses from the Executive regarding their proposals. Carriers warn that the current situation jeopardizes logistics and distribution nationwide.
Cost Structure Crisis
The industry groups noted that three weeks ago, the government implemented a diesel price hike of over 65%. This represents an increase of 580 pesos per liter in the cost structure for transport companies.
This surge directly impacts national operations, necessitating an increase of more than 25% in current transport rates. The unions lamented that authorities have failed to issue an official call to both private and state-owned cargo owners.
The lack of a formal directive requiring these costs to be passed through to tariffs has triggered a crisis in the sector. Carriers are demanding that the increased fuel costs be accounted for to prevent a collapse of the supply chain.
The warning was signed by the presidents of the sector's leading organizations: Raúl Clavero of ChileTransporte, Sergio Pérez of the CNTC, Juan Araya of the CNDC, and Juan Monasterio of Agetich.
"If there are no clear and concrete responses to our proposals, if the increased costs are not passed through, and if new fuel hikes are not immediately halted, there will be consequences," the union leaders stated in the document.