Argentina’s transport unions started a protest on Wednesday with road blocks in different parts of the country against diesel shortages and excessive fuel prices.
At a time when Argentina is at the height of its grain harvest, roadblocks have created seven kilometers of congestion on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. The country is one of the world’s largest exporters of corn and soybeans.
In a note, the National Union of Transporters (UNTRA) said that it will cease activities “in order to correct the actions that have caused it to harm transport” and requested the establishment of a measure so that tariffs are proportionate to the increase in transport. fuel, which has been in short supply for weeks.
Other transport unions joined the protest and denounced that diesel is only available at much higher prices.
According to a survey by the Argentine Federation of Cargo Transport Business Entities (Fadeeac), published on its Twitter account, there are 21 provinces with fuel supply problems, including Buenos Aires.
In a recent statement, the Sociedad Rural Argentina denounced “the problems generated by the scarce or no supply of fuel, as well as the surcharges we have to pay”.
The government assured that it will take steps to solve the problem.
“The lack of diesel is a conflict, a claim, which is a reality that has to do with growth,” presidential spokeswoman Gabriela Cerruti told local radio station Rádio Con Vos.
“It is a problem that will be solved and several measures will be taken (…) there are still some outbreaks”, he added.
In the midst of the prolonged energy deficit that affects the Argentine balance, the Ministry of Energy increased the mandatory proportion of biodiesel used in blending with fossil fuels to meet the greater local demand for diesel, mainly in the agro-export sector.
According to the government, domestic demand for diesel increased by more than 14% during the first four months of the year, compared to the same period in 2021.
Source: CNN Brasil
