The government met with key retailers and forestry companies in Chile to address the recent increase in diesel prices and its effect on transportation tariffs, according to an April 16 announcement. The meetings were led by Karlfranz Koehler, Undersecretary of Economy and Smaller Enterprises, following requests from trucking industry groups.
This topic is important because rising fuel costs can significantly affect the transport sector, potentially impacting logistics chains and the broader economy. Addressing these concerns may help stabilize service costs for both businesses and consumers.
Koehler said that the government understands “this is a complex situation for transporters. That is why we have listened to them, empathize with them, and have adopted a series of measures to lessen the impact and help them get through this moment. In fact, the new increase in diesel is lower than what was estimated until a few days ago.” On Monday, Koehler met with more than 20 representatives from trucking associations alongside other government officials. One main request from truckers was for cargo-generating companies to share some of the increased costs by updating their payments for transportation services.
On Tuesday, Koehler urged leading cargo generators to update tariffs in agreement with transporters so that higher diesel prices would be reflected fairly. He then held meetings with five major retail and forestry firms considered among Chile’s largest freight clients. “We met with some of Chile’s large cargo generators and learned that freight prices have already incorporated diesel increases, mostly through agreements with transporters. We will continue meeting all necessary companies so that higher fuel prices are reflected at every level of the logistics chain,” said Koehler.
In response to calls for financial support from truckers, BancoEstado President Mario Farren announced a new loan product offering a monthly interest rate of 0.85%, terms up to 24 months including six months’ grace period, Fogape guarantees, starting at three million pesos targeting both freight and passenger segments. Farren said: “Starting this Friday this new working capital offer will be available—with Fogape guarantee and reduced rate—which can be requested at any BancoEstado branch across the country.” These steps follow another measure where INE advanced publication of its Transport Cost Index by nearly two weeks so it could more quickly reflect rising fuel costs—a request also made by trucker groups.
“We have taken very concrete measures requested by transporter unions,” Koehler concluded. “Our willingness is to continue working together in an atmosphere of trust and collaboration as we have done so far. It is time we focus on solutions that contribute rather than actions that undermine what has been achieved.”
