A federal judge has ruled that striking truck drivers cannot block traffic during a demonstration planned in the state of Paraná to protest higher fuel prices. However, it seems that the limitation wasn´t so clear, as truckers blocked several roads and highways as they pleased. Today the protests continues but police seems to be very active by opening at least one side of the lanes thus allowing small vehicle to traffic normally.
According to the federal judge decision, drivers are allowed to protest only in multiple-lane highways, using no more than half of the lanes. The judge also limited the protest to the morning hours. Truckers’ unions are subjected to a fine of R$ 100.000,00 = ($26,757) per hour if they disobey the decision.
According to international news, farmers are struggling worldwide as the rise in diesel prices has hurt profits in the agricultural sector. In Brazil, truckers complain that diesel prices have climbed 43 percent since July 2017. Last night Brazilian Mines and Energy Minister Wellington Moreira Franco said the government is discussing possible tax cuts to reduce diesel prices. However, no clear proposed has been presented by government and truckers promised to continue on strike for undetermined period.
