Uruguay: Unionized fuel transporters launch three-day strike Nov. 13, causing fuel supply disruptions

Fuel shortages will likely impact areas across Uruguay over the coming days in connection with a strike launched by the Association of Fuel Transporters (Asociacion de Transportistas de Combustible, ATC) on Nov. 13. Fuel transporters affiliated with the ATC are planning to withhold the supply of fuel from plants operated by the state-owned National Administration of Fuels, Alcohols, and Portland (Administracion Nacional de Combustibles, Alcoholes y Portland, ANCAP) that supply fuel stations in the country through at least Nov. 15. The purpose of the action is to denounce a government decision to end the ANCAP's contractual relationship with ATC-affiliated fuel transport companies effective Dec. 31. Moreover, ATC officials have said that they may extend the fuel transport stoppage beyond Nov. 15 if the government does not reach an agreement with them. However, ATC members have also claimed that they may provide fuel for essential services from that date, including for hospitals, fire services, police, and the military, among others.

The ATC's protest announcement reportedly prompted a surge in demand for fuel in the country on Nov. 12, as well as consequent fuel shortages at some fuel stations. The fuel shortages will likely continue to cause the demand for fuel to exceed the available supply in the country; consequent public transport disruptions are possible, and drivers may limit the use of their private vehicles to conserve fuel supplies. The fuel shortages will likely also cause business disruptions, especially for companies that engage in fuel-intensive industrial processes. Related demonstrations near ATC or ANCAP sites cannot be ruled out. Police will likely monitor any such demonstrations that materialize.