Truck drivers believe measures to palliate high fuel prices are ‘insufficient’

Dozens of truck drivers once again blocked some of the main roads in Barcelona on Wednesday morning. Drivers believe the measures intended to alleviate high fuel prices are "insufficient." 

Truck drivers started a new slow drive in Barcelona’s Zona Franca logistical area to the Ronda de Dalt and Ronda Litoral ring roads, where they occupied one of the available lanes. 

"We continue to not have our operating costs covered," Miguel Ángel Maqueda, the spokesperson of Platform in Defense of the Transport Sector, said. 

The protest was called after Spain’s government announced new measures to palliate the high energy costs. On Monday, Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez said that all drivers will benefit from a 20-cent discount per liter of fuel. 

"Some petrol stations have already announced that do not agree with the discount, so they will not comply with it," Maqueda said. 

Drivers protested against the temporary policies the government is approving, as they believe it does not address the core issue. 

"The executive has greenlighted a decree allowing truck drivers to work more hours, but why don’t they approve one that covers operating costs?" he questioned. "They are exploiting workers," the spokesperson added.  

Wednesday’s slow drive puts financial pressure on the sector itself. "What we are doing today is just spending money, but sometimes driving the trucks and protesting is necessary," he said.