Transport Providers Stage Warning Strike

Cargo and passenger transportation providers staged a warning strike on 4 January 2010 to protest recent fuel price increases. The drivers blocked roads in the states of Hidalgo, Veracruz and Puebla, disrupting traffic on several federal highways. The head of the National Confederation of Mexico's Merchants and Transporters stated that the organisation will stage a nationwide strike unless the government lowers the price of fuel to 6.3 pesos per litre from the current 8.16 pesos per litre. He did not specify a date for the strike, but stated that any such action will be announced 24 hours in advance. The official warned that the strike would severely affect food supplies in the country; however, the leaders of two other organisations that account for the transportation of approximately 90 percent of cargo in Mexico stated that they will not join a strike at this time.