Transport workers keep several Guatemalan routes blocked over fuel prices

Guatemala’s transport workers kept key roads blocked on Tuesday for a second straight day, pressing their demand for lower fuel prices while business groups called for the security forces to clear the routes.

The roads had reopened after protesters lifted 20 blockades late Monday following 12 hours of demonstrations. But by Tuesday afternoon, the number of closed sections had climbed again to 13, according to the Directorate General of Protection and Road Safety, known as Provial.

The affected routes include the southwestern highway toward the Pacific coast and the Mexican border. The CA-13 highway, a major northeastern corridor, links Petén with the Caribbean and the borders with Belize and Honduras. Important access roads in the capital have also been affected.

Guatemala relies largely on imported petroleum products to supply its transport network. Rising international crude prices have therefore fed directly into inflation and the cost of basic goods in Central America. The National Statistics Institute said fuel, especially gasoline and diesel, and transport had the biggest impact on July’s increase in living costs. Annual inflation reached 2.70%.

The Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala described the closures as illegal and said they restricted movement, halted productive activity and caused incalculable damage to people, families and the national economy. The Tourism Chamber warned that blocked access to destinations and airports could threaten visitor bookings and damage Guatemala’s image as an international destination.

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For the second consecutive day, Guatemala continues to suffer illegal blockades that violate freedom of movement, paralyze productive activities and cause incalculable damage to people, families and the national economy.