Protests in Brazil against high fuel prices continue as many truck drivers do not accept union accords

Protests against high diesel prices, which in the past days has included massive road blockades which reached their highest point on Wednesday February 25, have continued despite accords reached late last week with union leaders as many groups of truck drivers say were not represented, according to media.

Valor Economico said that as of the night of March 1 there were 13 road blockades in three states which are down from 129 blockades in 14 states. However, some truck drivers have said that they have ended the blockades for fear of fines and that while they won't block roads againg they will carry out work stoppages and other actions against the government.

Odi Zani, one of the truck drivers who continued their protest, said that the date for continued talks with the government was set for March 10 and that is too far away as drivers need immediate solutions.

He also said that transportation union representatives that participated in talks with government do not really represent nor understand truck drivers needs.

Workers in the transportation industry, mainly truck drivers, have been for the past 11 days parking their vehicles in Brazilian roads so as to block traffic. A leading demand against the government has been for actions to reduce fuel prices.

Transportations workers have said that while fuel prices have plunged in the world within the last year, in Brazil there has not been a proportional reduction.

Truck drivers have said they are going to take their trucks to the capital in protest. Meantime, leader unions who did participate in the government talks said that transportations companies have been able to complete deliveries this weekend by working overtime and that there is only “small resistance” by a few groups to fully end the stoppage.

Brazil has a high consumption of ethanol which is produced from its sugar cane fields and included in the gasoline mix at a 25% percentage. Many vehicles can also run on pure ethanol in Brazil.