Truck drivers protest for fifth day in Chile

Chilean truck drivers stopped negotiations on Friday to lift partial road blockades in the country which were launched in response to the price of fuel.

The drivers said they left the talks when the government refused to drop lawsuits against them. President Gabriel Boric's government and the drivers had sought to end a five-day strike which threatened food and fuel shortages. The drivers are demanding a 30% reduction in the diesel price, an end to weekly fuel hikes and greater security on their driving routes.

95% of Chile's national cargo, including food and fuel, travels by truck along the 3,300 kilometer Route 5 Highway, which links the country from north to south.