On Tuesday the 16th of March, the National Guild of Carriers and Drivers (NGCD) commenced a strike, blocking highways in Barranca (Lima), Casma (Ancash), Junin, Huanuco, Ayacucho, Ica, and Arequipa. This nationwide protest was caused by the inflation of diesel fuel, a popular combustible for heavy cargo and freight carriers. The strike extended for a period of 4 days and was only resolved through a lengthy dialogue between the NGCD and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MTC).
This issue began when Petroperú and Repsol increased their diesel prices by 0.5% per gallon (including taxes). The reason for diesel fuel’s popularity was its inexpensiveness when compared to other forms of combustibles. By increasing the cost, not only was the NGCD and its subdivisions affected, but the repercussions of the strike resulted in complications for oxygen transportation for COVID-19 patients, and the halt of quotidian mobilization. Countless people took on the task of walking the extensive distance from their homes to their workplaces. National channel, Latina reports how elders were some of the most affected by the situation, as many had appointments for medical treatments and even for their shots of COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, the compressed oxygen provider, Linde Perú, alerted the nation of the reverberations this could have on the deployment of their products to hospitals. The prompt distribution of these resources was pivotal in the survival of innumerable patients.
Taking this into consideration, the MTC negotiated different terms for diesel prices and other projects the NGCD proposed. The discussion that extended until 4 am on Saturday the 20th of March included but was not limited to:
The regulation of diesel fuel prices regarding the referential prices offered by Osinergmin weekly.
Discount of S/.0.84 per gallon by Petroperú for formalized drivers and carriers
Inclusion of diesel in the Stabilization Fund. The Ministry of Energy and Mines will present a Supreme Decret that includes diesel as part of the previously mentioned fund.
A year added to the validity of driving licenses.
Analysis of possible vaccination for formalized carriers and drivers.
To sum up everything that has been stated, I will outline the key points of this climacteric: first, the increase of diesel fuel’s cost by two of the main suppliers of combustibles in the country. Following this occurrence, the four-day strike by the National Guild of Carriers and Drivers. Throughout this protest, some of its most relevant ramifications impeded oxygen delivery and significant growth in pedestrian mobilization. Finally, the awaited solution, a consensus between the National Guild of Carriers and Drivers and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications over the worth of diesel, the benefits for formalized drivers, and the vaccination of carriers among other proposals. While I believe the issues discussed to be critical for fair employment, the unprecedented repercussions, especially considering COVID-19, endangered countless lives. The measures taken were extreme yet likely necessary, portraying their need to be heard. These situations are frequent in underdeveloped countries such as Peru, nevertheless, we should create constant and efficient communication with the government and the representatives of different districts and work areas in order to foment the growth of our nation.
Aitana
Bibliography
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Gestión, Redacción. “Estos Son Los 19 Acuerdos Entre Los Transportistas y El Gobierno.” Gestión, 20 Mar. 2021.
Gestión, Redacción. “Linde Perú Advierte Que Bloqueo y Protestas Ponen En Riesgo Abastecimiento De Oxígeno.” Gestión, 17 Mar. 2021.
Gestión, Redacción. “Opecu Alerta Nueva Subida En Los Precios De Combustibles.” Gestión, 5 Feb. 2021.
Perú, Redacción El Comercio. “Gobierno y Transportistas De Carga Se Ponen De Acuerdo, Firman Acta y Levantan El Paro Nacional Indefinido.” El Comercio Perú, 20 Mar. 2021.
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Cerdán, Jorge. ”Ciudadanos caminar largos kilómetros para hallar un auto o bus que los traslade a sus centros de trabajo”. La República, March 17th 2021
Ministry of Transportation and Communications. “El ministro de Transporte, Eduardo Gonzales, junto con los dirigentes de los transportistas que firmaron el acta de acuerdo”. Twitter. March 20th 2021.