Protest by Brazilian truckers grows demanding lower fuel and toll prices grows

SAO PAULO – The weeklong protests by Brazilian truckers have spread, disrupting the flow of products to the market.

The Transportation Ministry's press office said Wednesday that truck drivers are blocking roads in 10 states.

Truck drivers are demanding lower tolls and fuel prices, and also demand that freight costs be based on the distances trucks travel to deliver goods. Freight costs are currently determined by tonnage.

The protest has caused delivery delays and shortages of diesel and gasoline, as well as products such as soybeans, milk and meat.

Government officials, union leaders and representatives of transportation companies are scheduled to meet to discuss the drivers' demands.