Truck drivers throughout the country of Iran have been on strike since May 22. The trucker drivers are protesting low wages, high insurance costs and a scheduled fuel price increase. The strike began in the port city of Bandar Abbas and has spread across the country. Surprisingly the movement is gaining support from the public in spite of the resulting shortages. Some experts say it could turn into broader unrest against the current regime.
The strike has gone on for more than a week, causing disruptions to freight transportation and supply chains across the country. It is one of the most extensive labor protests in Iran in recent years, with more than 130 cities in at least 30 provinces participating.
Reports say truckers have also say stagnant freight rates, escalating costs for spare parts and maintenance and deteriorating road conditions are contributing concerns. Some say the high cost of operations has made the trucking business unsustainable.
The government’s proposed fuel price increase, from approximately $0.04 to nearly $0.50 per liter by late June, is another flashpoint, with truckers saying that would force many out of work.
On May 28, state television broadcast footage of normal operations at truck terminals and ports.