Truck drivers ⁤across the country ⁤have begun a‌ nationwide strike in​ response⁢ to the ⁤recent fuel price hike.

The strike, which started on September 2, has seen truck drivers parking their vehicles on‍ the side of the Pan-American highway, near the Popayán Industrial ‌Park, in protest against the‍ increase in​ the gallon of⁤ ACPM.​ The government has “adjusted” the selling price of ⁣this fuel⁣ by $1,904.

Hours later, ‍the transporters decided to block​ the road completely, as they had threatened. The ​strike is⁤ taking place in different cities and roads in the country, with the aim of putting pressure on the government to ​re-evaluate the pricing policy.

Government Response

President Gustavo Petro announced the installation of a United Command Post‌ (PMU) directed by the Minister of Transport, María Constanza García.

According to the government, when a consumer ⁢buys diesel at a service⁣ station, they pay less than 50% of the ⁤price charged by the refiner or importer⁣ of that fuel. The⁤ national government, through the FEPC, pays the rest.⁢ This has led to ⁣a⁣ historic financial problem that, together, in 2024 pesos, is close to‍ $115 billion.