A slow march is expected to take place in Portugal today, involving over 400 trucks from the earthworks sector, including excavation, land movement, and inert extraction. The protest is against the recent surge in fuel prices, particularly diesel, which has significantly impacted the sector. According to Miguel Machado Mendes, representative of the initiative's promoters, the event is a spontaneous movement by companies in the construction industry.
The sector is highly vulnerable to energy cost increases, with diesel accounting for nearly 70% of the final price presented to clients. Since February 27, diesel prices in Portugal have risen from 1.59 euros to 2.22 euros per liter, an increase of 63 cents per liter. This hike has created an unsustainable scenario for companies, which feel discriminated against by recent government incentive measures that do not apply to their sector.
Companies in the earthworks sector argue that they have absorbed successive cost increases, new demands, and changes to working conditions, but their capacity has limits. If they cannot continue to work under economically sustainable conditions, many construction projects in the country will be affected. The sector emphasizes its strategic importance, as excavation, land movement, and inert extraction are the starting points for all civil construction projects.
The National Republican Guard (GNR) has announced a special police presence to monitor the slow march and ensure safety and minimize disruptions to road circulation. The GNR is prepared to adopt necessary measures to maintain order. The slow march is set to start at 7:30 AM near the Lordelo entrance of the A42 highway and will proceed to the A41 and A1 highways before ending at Coimbra Sul.
The protest is aimed at highlighting the increase in diesel prices and the discriminatory treatment by the government. Companies are demanding professional discounts similar to those offered to the passenger and goods transport sectors. According to the promoters, the situation is particularly grave, as many companies are executing contracts agreed upon before the recent surge in costs.
The sector's representatives stress that they have been absorbing cost increases and new demands, but this capacity has limits. If the situation does not improve, many construction projects will be affected. The GNR has warned that there may be disruptions to road circulation, but no highway closures are expected.
The slow march is expected to cause some disruptions, but the authorities are working to minimize the impact. The sector's companies are determined to make their voices heard and push for changes to address their concerns. The government has not yet responded to the sector's demands, but the issue is likely to remain a point of contention in the coming days.
Key points
- Over 400 trucks are expected to participate in a slow march in Portugal to protest against rising fuel costs.
- The sector is highly vulnerable to energy cost increases, with diesel accounting for nearly 70% of the final price presented to clients.
- The protest aims to highlight the increase in diesel prices and the discriminatory treatment by the government.
