Leaders of the Extraurban Passenger Transport Union, in a press conference this Tuesday, July 21, expressed their concern about the increase in fuel pricesmainly diesel, and warned that companies can no longer continue absorbing the increase.
According to representatives of the Guild, if there are no measures to address the increase, in the coming weeks the cost of the ticket could increase between 15% and 20%.
Transporters complained that a gallon of diesel again reached Q42.25, the same price recorded before the subsidy was announced.
They assured that operating at this cost represents losses for the companies and estimated that the adjustment in rates could come into force in approximately two weeks, although they stated that before that they would seek to meet with transportation authorities.
The Guild attributed the increase to the resumption of the war in the Middle East and recalled that Guatemala imports all of the diesel and gasoline it consumes, so prices depend on the international market.
As they explained, the increase does not only affect passenger transportation, but also cargo transportation, agriculture, industry, exports and basic basket products.
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According to this sector, for every quetzal that diesel increases, the monthly operating cost of a truck can increase between Q600 and Q1 thousand, which causes adjustments in freight rates. They warned that this increase ends up being passed on to the price of food, medicines and other products that require transportation.
The representatives asked the Executive and Congress to adopt preventive measures against the behavior of prices.
Among their requests is the creation of a technical table made up of the Ministries of Energy and Mines and the Economy, together with the transportation sector, to monitor prices weekly and propose actions.
They also asked the Directorate of Consumer Care and Assistance to monitor and sanction possible increases that do not correspond to the behavior of the international market.
The transporters indicated that they are struck by the fact that the difference between the prices offered by different brands of gas stations is only between five and 10 cents.
The Guild also proposed the implementation of staggered schedules, more efficient routes and measures that prioritize the circulation of buses and heavy transport to reduce fuel consumption.
Although he acknowledged that eliminating the fuel tax would be difficult, he considered that a new subsidy could be the fastest measure, but warned that the previous mechanism, planned for three months, consumed approximately Q2 billion in two months and one week.
The transporters assured that, if the authorities do not intervene, they will evaluate legal actions against the fuel dispensing companies. They also warned that the increase in diesel could cause more expensive tickets, freight and food, with a direct impact on the purchasing power of families.
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