Over 400 heavy vehicles join slow-march protest from Paredes to Coimbra
More than 100 companies from Portugal's earthmoving and construction sector have mobilized an estimated 400 heavy vehicles for a slow-march protest today, demanding government action on fuel prices they say have become unsustainable.
The protest began at 7:30 this morning near the Lordelo entry to the A42 motorway. From there, the convoy travelled south along the A42 to the A41, then continued down the A1 towards Coimbra Sul, where it was expected to end around 13:00. The route caused significant traffic delays and queueing along the key arteries.
Fuel costs devour nearly 70% of operating budgets
Miguel Machado Mendes, the lawyer representing the protest organisers, told the Lusa news agency that the demonstration arose as a spontaneous movement from companies involved in earthmoving, land transport, and aggregate extraction. He described the sub-sector of civil construction as "very exposed and vulnerable" to energy price increases, specifically diesel.
"The diesel price is a production cost that means almost 70% of the final price," Machado Mendes stated, adding that the historic rise in fuel costs had created an "untenable scenario" for these businesses.
According to figures cited by the organisers, the price of diesel rose from €1.59 to €2.22 per litre between 27 February and late September — an increase of 63 cents per litre.
Contractors demand equal treatment on professional fuel discounts
The protest centres on a perceived snub by the Portuguese Government. In a press statement, the earthmoving companies said they feel "discriminated against by recent government incentive measures," which do not cover their sector.
They are demanding professional diesel discounts identical to those available to passenger and freight transport operators.
The situation is particularly acute because many companies are executing contracts with prices agreed before the cost surge. The organisers warned that "all civil construction works begin with excavation and earthmoving," signalling the strategic importance of their activity. They stated that while they have absorbed successive cost increases, their capacity to do so **"has limits."
Government meets sector on Monday after protest
A meeting has been scheduled for Monday, 28 September between movement representatives and the office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing. The Minister of the Economy has stated that the Government is monitoring the situation and remains in contact with business associations.
Separate buzinão protest hits Ponte 25 de Abril
Today also saw a separate protest by the Association of Users of the Ponte 25 de Abril. That group organised a horn-blowing demonstration and slow march on the bridge to protest fuel prices and the cost of living.
The association's demands include the dismissal of the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, the return of remote work options, the suspension of all tolls, and the removal of VAT and ISP on fuels, as well as zero VAT on food and medicine.
GNR monitors protests
The Guarda Nacional Republicana established a special operation to accompany the earthmoving convoy. While no motorway closures were planned, the GNR warned of expected traffic constraints. The traffic authority stated it was prepared to adopt "necessary measures" to ensure safety and minimise disruption on the A1, A41, and A42.
