Transport Sector

Honduras's transport operators ruled out a strike during the upcoming Morazán holiday week but warned they will call an extraordinary assembly to consider measures if the government does not schedule talks within two weeks to address rising fuel costs and operational expenses.

Honduras's National Transport Council held an extraordinary assembly in Siguatepeque on October 4 to analyze rising fuel costs and discuss possible responses, including whether to call a nationwide strike.

Two congressional commissions have established a working group with transport-sector representatives and government agencies to analyze the impact of fuel-price increases and seek measures to ease the burden on Hondurans.

A meeting between the government and transport leaders on fuel costs ended without agreement; transporters proposed temporarily suspending fuel taxes through year-end and revising the pricing formula, but the Finance Ministry said any relief would require identifying offsetting revenue sources.

The president of Honduras's taxi association said lawmakers gave no response to the industry's demands for relief from high fuel prices after a meeting at Congress.

A congressional transport commission met with operators nationwide to explore mechanisms for converting transport units, aiming to reduce operational costs and improve conditions for the sector.

Congress held meetings with transport leaders and private-sector representatives on September 30 to discuss emergency measures against fuel prices exceeding 153 lempiras per gallon, with a proposal to temporarily freeze fuel prices for two weeks during the Morazán holiday period.

Congress President Tomás Zambrano proposed working groups with fuel importers, distributors, and industry sectors to explore alternatives to 11 consecutive weeks of fuel-price increases, while transport leaders demanded a diesel-tax exemption and threatened a nationwide shutdown if the government does not respond this week.

Congress set up a technical committee to address transport-sector concerns over rising fuel and parts costs, delayed operating permits, and insecurity, with lawmakers exploring options including possible fuel-tax cuts and remote work arrangements.

Cargo and fuel transporters announced they will suspend fuel deliveries nationwide Wednesday unless the government agrees to raise their rates, which have not been adjusted in eight years despite rising fuel costs.

Transport leader Wilmer Cálix said the sector will not hold a nationwide strike on Monday despite rising fuel costs, though some drivers in San Pedro Sula and the north are considering protest actions if the government does not address operational expenses.

Freight-transport leaders say they will stage protests if authorities do not address rising diesel costs, citing operating losses and a lack of government response to their requests for a 12-cent-per-gallon fuel subsidy and enforcement of an April price adjustment.

Transport industry leaders and government officials, including the Anti-Extortion and Terrorist Associations Division, agreed to strengthen joint efforts against extortion targeting drivers and bus companies while improving road safety and order in major cities.

Transport operators say they will not reduce urban bus fares in the capital until diesel and gasoline fall to L75 (about $3) per gallon, citing insufficient relief from current fuel-price declines.

Taxi-stand operators announced an end to nationwide protests and agreed to work with Congress on a digital platform and regulatory reforms, with lawmakers pledging dialogue on licensing and competition from illegal services.

The United Taxi Drivers Association of Honduras will hold a sit-in in La Ceiba on Tuesday to protest high fuel prices and demand the government respond to the sector's concerns.

Congress and transport leaders agreed to form a technical committee to evaluate reducing fuel taxes, citing pressure from international price rises and operational costs; the talks will also address permits, maintenance expenses, and security concerns affecting drivers.

Honduras's National Transport Council has called for an emergency meeting with the government to address rising fuel costs affecting the trucking and passenger-transit industries.