Carlos Rodríguez, coordinator of the Frente Amplio Camionero (Broad Truckers' Front), said Puerto Rico truck drivers are not currently planning to halt operations but that some carriers may limit or stop service to clients who refuse to pay fuel surcharges amid rising diesel prices. Rodríguez said drivers have the right to stop service if surcharges aren't paid, since rising costs threaten their livelihoods.
He attributed the price surge to the geopolitical conflict between the United States and Iran, attacks on oil pipelines, and the potential closure of the Red Sea strait, which have pushed diesel prices up more than 70% over the past year. According to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO), drivers were recently paying up to $1.18 per liter for regular gasoline, $1.36 for premium, and $1.50 for diesel.
Rodríguez urged merchants to pay the surcharge to prevent truckers' financial situation from worsening and disrupting deliveries. He said rumors of a nationwide strike had been dispelled but warned such a strike would be difficult for the island, which imports most goods through Jacksonville; Jaxport reportedly handles more than 85% of goods shipped by sea between Puerto Rico and the mainland U.S.