Peru truckers, farmers to strike over fuel and fertilizer costs
By Marco Aquino
LIMA (Reuters) – Peru’s truckers and a few farm teams will go on strike on Monday after failing to succeed in agreements with the federal government looking for measures to cut back the affect of steep world worth rises of gasoline and fertilizer, sector leaders mentioned on Sunday.
Union leaders met on Friday and Saturday with authorities representatives, with calls for together with contemplating freight transport a “public service” that would cut back prices and curb competitors from truckers from neighbor international locations.
“We’re agency in plans to strike with all our bases nationwide,” the chief of the heavy load haulage and drivers union Marlon Milla instructed radio station RPP. The union has 400,000 cargo transport items in 14 of the 25 areas of the nation.
Excessive world gasoline costs linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have stoked unrest in Peru, the world’s No. 2 copper producer, whereas shortages of fertilizer have raised fears over meals provide with the federal government struggling to safe shipments.
The federal government of leftist President Pedro Castillo, who has seen his recognition tumble since taking workplace final yr, has taken measures to curb the rising price of dwelling, however the annual inflation charge stays at round 8%, its highest degree in 24 years.
Some farming unions additionally introduced strikes on Monday, in protest on the rise in fertilizer costs and shortages.
Latin American leaders are grappling to convey down spiraling costs regardless of main rate of interest hikes. Trucking protests over gasoline prices have hit Argentina whereas Ecuador is being roiled by protests partly linked to gasoline costs. [L4N2YB27W]
“The dialogue has not been exhausted, we’re in a everlasting session of ministers to keep away from protest,” Justice Minister Félix Chero instructed reporters on Sunday. The federal government is providing subsidies for street tolls and fertilizer prices.
(Reporting by Marco Aquino; modifying by Diane Craft)
