The transport sector has shown resilience, but it faces mounting pressure from fuel costs and a cascade of rising expenses that ripple through every link in the supply chain. In recent months, after a reset of the market, fuel prices gained momentum just before the month closed, a reminder that the road to stability remains bumpy. This is only one chip in the heavy load carried by carriers who must balance soaring prices for essential tools of the trade. As observed by the Secretary General, José Carlos García Cumplido, the Galician Freight Forwarding Federation (Fegatramer) represents a commanding share of the road freight network and wireless utilities across the region. His message is clear: the current costs demand a substantial uplift to recapture the advantages seen in prior years, a point he stresses while outlining the heavy burden borne by members who are expected to stay competitive amid volatile markets. With rainfall-like volatility in inputs, the sector expects more favorable conditions to emerge, and leaders emphasize the need for relief to maintain viability and service levels while the economy navigates the post-pandemic recovery and ongoing global pressures.
Rising prices are casting a long shadow over operations, threatening the long-term viability of many fleets. The general sentiment from García Cumplido notes that, beyond inflation alone, production costs have surged in what he describes as fierce market speculation. He points to the role of large fuel distributors amid a war-driven context, highlighting significant distortions in the market. The concern is not merely about current margins but about sustainable pricing that reflects real operating costs, including fuel, logistics, and vehicle maintenance. The industry is watching closely how policy and market dynamics will interact to prevent a slide into entrenched unprofitability for carriers serving businesses and communities that depend on reliable freight services.
The stance from García Cumplido remains cautiously optimistic about the near term, characterizing the price surge as a temporary condition linked to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He expects some relief within several months, though he also acknowledges that inflation is unlikely to retreat quickly. In response, the National Committee for Road Transport (CNTC), which includes Fegatramer as a member, has urged the national government to implement a package of short- and long-term measures aimed at easing pressures on the transport sector. The proposals emphasize timely financial relief, adjustments to pricing mechanisms, and targeted support that helps fleets of different sizes weather the current market conditions. The aim is to stabilize operations while ensuring continuity of services that are vital to commerce and regional economies.
- Extend the 0.20 Euro fuel incentive. The federation calls for maintaining the minimum bonus of 20 cents per liter (or per kilo for compressed gas) through the end of the year. The CNTC envisions applying this aid to diesel, petrol, gas, and AdBlue, ensuring a broad shield for various engine systems and fleets.
- Add a further 0.20. The group requests an additional 20 cents to assist the transport sector through a mechanism akin to professional diesel rebates. The proposal would cover vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes and should be administered directly or via professional-card authorization, ensuring prompt and targeted distribution where it is most needed.
- Support freight companies with direct assistance. The CNTC also asks for direct, vehicle-type-based aid to freight forwarders, including 1,250 Euros for trucks and 500 Euros for pickup trucks, helping to mitigate the immediate financial strain and keep routes open for essential cargo.
- Update the shipping pricing framework. Finally, there is a request to adjust the shipping price index so it more accurately reflects fuel costs, proposing an increase in the weighting from 30% to 40% to mirror real-world expenses and preserve fair compensation for operators.
The broader question remains whether a renewed carrier protest could emerge, similar to actions taken in March. Fegatramer has stated it would withhold support for past tactics that proved harmful to both providers and customers. The organization emphasizes that even a short disruption can translate into significant losses across the network, affecting not only carriers but also the broader ecosystem that relies on steady freight flows, including shellfish suppliers, fishermen, ranchers, and farmers who face their own pressures in difficult times. The overall message highlights a push for constructive policy responses that balance market realities with practical relief, aiming to preserve supply chains while safeguarding livelihoods across the sector and adjacent industries.