The road transport sector in Catalonia faces a 30% increase in its operating costs after the sudden rise in fuel prices. Hauliers from Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona have begun to pass on this increase to their services, according to what the employers' association CETCAT has confirmed.
The Brent barrel exceeds 100 dollars and the pressure shifts to the sector
Eduard Ayach, president of Asetrans in Girona and of CETCAT, has explained that the situation changes daily and that the increase in the price of the Brent barrel has already exceeded 100 dollars, which forces the increase to be passed on to transport prices.
"The figures we have change daily, but the Brent barrel has soared and already exceeds 100 dollars. This increase of close to 30% we will eventually have to pass on to our services" - Eduard Ayach, president of Asetrans and CETCAT
The representative of the transporters has insisted that the sector needs stability in the price of raw materials and has demanded from the Spanish government the activation of a package of aid to face the rise in fuel prices.
They demand urgent measures and stability in prices
Ayach has stressed that the responsibility to minimize the impact falls on the competent authorities. The president of CETCAT has proposed increasing the weight of fuel in setting tariffs, promoting bonuses or approving a flat rate for diesel or gasoline.
"If the Ministry tells us that the price of fuel is set at 1.50 euros per liter and that the State assumes the increase, we have no problem" - Eduard Ayach, president of CETCAT
The leader has recalled that other countries of the European Union have already helped transporters through fiscal measures on fuels. In Catalonia, the main concern is that the conflict prolongs and ends up destabilizing the volumes and levels of activity in road transport.
Travels at a loss and warning about the immediate future
Ayach has pointed out that some companies have already made or will have to make a loss-making trip in the coming days. The president of CETCAT has criticized that oil companies have raised prices prematurely and that the government has not provided economic solutions.
"In the end, we will have paid more fuel than was budgeted and we will have to assume it ourselves" - Eduard Ayach, president of CETCAT
The sector is willing to assume its responsibility and pass on the cost increase to its services, although it warns that the situation seriously affects the viability of many companies. The 30% increase in fuel cost is already impacting freight transport routes throughout Catalonia.