Chile's truckers blockade highways as diesel prices jump 74%

Convoys of buses and lorries began blocking roads and highways across Chile on Tuesday, grinding traffic to a halt along major routes. The drivers want government relief from diesel prices they say have been pushed up by the war in Iran. Talks between officials and protest leaders ended Tuesday without a deal, and another meeting is expected Wednesday.

The protests are organised by the Fuerza del Norte trade union, which represents roughly 80% of Chile's lorry drivers, and the No+TAG civic movement. "There is no point of agreement with the government that could offer any perspective to find solutions for everyone," No+TAG spokesman Andrés Alarcón said after negotiations broke down, adding that "the strike continues."

Economy Minister Daniel Mas urged more dialogue but signalled patience was thinning. "At some point, we will have to clear the highways," he said, noting the blockades are hitting economic activity and exports. "We need to get the country moving again."

The government of President José Antonio Kast has absorbed public anger over fuel costs for months. According to industry groups, the average price of diesel has climbed 74% since March. Juan Cornejo, president of the Association of Intercity Bus Owners, which represents 14 mid-sized companies, told AFP: "We've reached our limit," adding that his members have spent more than a month "working with negative numbers."

Lorry driver Claudio Elguezabal, 47, joined a protest near Santiago on Tuesday morning and described the math as impossible. "Right now I'm not making any profit. Sometimes you even have to put in your own money to cover the client," AFP quoted him as saying.