PARAGUAY · ECONOMY
Key Facts
- Who The Federation of Truckers of the Interior of Paraguay, a trucking trade group, announced a work stoppage for Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
- What Drivers keep trucks idle (“brazos caídos”, folded arms) to demand a fair freight price as diesel climbs; no road blocks are planned.
- Where Km 28 beside a plant of Cargill, a US agribusiness group, in Minga Guazú, Alto Paraná department, and in Capiibary, San Pedro.
- Numbers Paraguayan press reports put the rise in diesel prices at more than 50% so far in 2026.
- Next Talks with Cargill, a US-based agribusiness group, are due to start on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Published Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, 4 a.m. ET · Source: statements by the truckers’ federation and Paraguayan official data
Truckers in eastern Paraguay announced a work stoppage for Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, to press for a higher freight rate as diesel gets more expensive. Éver Martínez, who represents the Campo 9 transport association, a local trucking group, said the protest is peaceful and aims to open talks with freight buyers, starting with Cargill.
Cargill is a US-based agribusiness group, and its plant at km 28 in Minga Guazú is the main site of the action. A second site is in Capiibary, and organisers do not expect to close any roads.
Why Diesel Costs Drive the Dispute
Paraguayan press reports say diesel prices have risen by more than 50% so far in 2026. Truckers say the higher fuel bill leaves them with more losses than profit.
Public accounts feel the same pressure: the state paid bus companies ₲402.98 billion (Paraguayan guaraní, almost US$64 million at last year’s exchange rate) in subsidies in 2025. Reporting on that bill says the government’s cost-based bus fare has risen in step with diesel increases.
A New Leader for the Federation
The federation also chose Roberto Almirón as its new president by majority vote. Martínez took the vice presidency.
What It Means for US Readers
Paraguay is landlocked, which makes road freight central to its trade. Talks with Cargill will show who absorbs higher fuel costs along a South American supply chain, the haulers or the companies that hire them.
A short, peaceful stoppage is a signal to watch, not yet a disruption. Readers tracking Paraguay’s economy can also see how a stronger guaraní is hitting farm exporters in our report on exporters.
What Is Not Known
Neither Cargill nor Paraguay’s government had responded in the reports reviewed, and no count of participating trucks has been published. The freight increase the truckers want has not been stated.
It is also unclear how long the stoppage will last or whether it will spread beyond Minga Guazú and Capiibary. Talks are due to start on Tuesday, Nov. 3, as announced by the federation’s representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Paraguayan truckers stopping work?
They say rising diesel prices leave them with more losses than profit. They want a fair freight price from the companies they haul for.
Will roads be blocked?
Organisers describe a peaceful protest and do not expect route closures. They say the goal is to open dialogue with companies, starting with Cargill.
How much has diesel risen in Paraguay?
Paraguayan press reports put the rise at more than 50% so far in 2026. They did not give a price per litre.
Who leads the truckers’ federation?
Roberto Almirón was elected president by majority vote. Éver Martínez of the Campo 9 transporters’ association is vice president.
Sources: Statements by the Federation of Truckers of the Interior of Paraguay and its representative, 2 November 2026, as published by Última Hora; ABC Color, economy report on diesel and bus subsidies, 2 November 2026.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief