Transport workers in Chile block highways in protest over surging fuel prices

Hundreds of transport workers in Chile have blocked roads and highways across the country in protest over high fuel prices.

Drivers of busses and lorries began protesting on Tuesday, gathering in convoys to halt traffic along major routes.

They are demanding a relief from surging diesel prices, which have been driven up by the war in Iran.

Talks between government officials and protest leaders have so far failed to reach a resolution, with another meeting expected to take place on Wednesday.

The protest is being organised by the ⁠Fuerza del Norte trade union, which represents around 80% of Chile's lorry drivers, and the No+TAG civic protest ​movement.

"There is no point of agreement with the government that could offer any perspective to find solutions for everyone," Andrés Alarcón, a spokesman for No+TAG, said after talks broke down on Tuesday, adding "the strike continues".

Economy Minister Daniel Mas called for further dialogue, but warned "at some point, we will have to clear the highways".

He stressed the protests were impacting economic activity and exports, saying "we need to get the country moving again".

The government of President José Antonio Kast has faced public discontent over fuel prices for months.

The average price of diesel has risen 74% since March, according to industry groups.

Juan Cornejo, the president of the Association of Intercity Bus Owners, which represents 14 mid-sized companies, told AFP that "we've reached our limit".

"We've spent more than a month working with negative numbers," he added.

Lorry driver Claudio Elguezabal, who took part in a protest near the capital, Santiago, on Tuesday morning, said the situation was unsustainable.

"Right now I'm not making any profit. Sometimes you even have to put in your own money to cover the client," AFP quoted the 47-year-old as saying.