Truckers start protests in Brazil, yet adherence to the strike is uncertain

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Demonstrations began after the CNTRC (National Council of Road Transport of Cargo) called a strike starting on Sunday, when St. Christopher’s Day is celebrated, truckers’ patron saint. However, the chances of the strike developing over the next few days are still unclear.

The uncertainties concern the fact that the category is represented by several entities in the country. In recent days the debate about a possible strike has divided drivers as not all organizations expressed support for the initiative.

Late Sunday afternoon the category’s WhatsApp groups still read messages showing doubts over the start of the strike.

CNTRC president Plínio Dias said that truckers organized protests in at least 15 states throughout the day, including Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Ceará. According to the leader, truckers parked their vehicles at gas stations located along highways, carrying banners against the increase in transportation costs, but no roadblocks were set up.

He believes the protest will gain momentum early in the week, leading to a strike, yet refrained from projecting how many participants the movement could have in the coming days.

“The category is finding the increase in fuel prices absurd. We don’t know when the price will rise. When you realize it, it has already gone up. There is also the freight issue,” he said.

“The category is joining [the strike]. People are mobilizing in at least 15 states . We park our trucks at highway posts, we put up banners and we are calling the people,” he added.

The category wants the end of the so-called PPI (Import Parity Price) in the calculation of fuels sold by Petrobras. This policy follows the price variations in the international market and is affected by the dollar.

The measure aims to keep the oil company competitive in the market, but may increase fuel prices and impact truckers’ pockets.

In late June, Petrobras announced a meeting with the CNTRC board. “Road transport is very important for Brazil. Petrobras is committed to understanding the players in society, evaluating the best way to contribute to all of them and is always open to dialogue,” said the president of the state-owned company General Joaquim Silva e Luna in a statement at the time.