Approximately 90,000 truck drivers affiliated with Spain’s second-largest truckers’ union launched an indefinite strike on 9 June 2008 to protest the rising price of fuel. The government has offered to support the transportation sector with flexible contracts and emergency loans, but drivers are demanding the implementation of a minimum haulage fee and discounted diesel prices. There are concerns over the potential of fuel and other shortages as a result of the strike, and long lines have been reported at gas stations and supermarkets. Striking drivers have attacked vehicles of goods that other drivers are attempting to drive across the French border into Spain despite the strike, and the incidents have caused traffic disruptions at the border crossing in Perthus and slowed traffic around Bordeaux. Slow driving truck convoys have also caused traffic disruptions along ring roads in Madrid and Barcelona. Traffic disruptions have also been reported in Valencia. Additional disruptions are expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, in France, where trucker strikes are also taking place, significant traffic disruptions are occurring around Bordeaux, as approximately 200 trucks were set to gather for a protest on the four main roads leading into the city on 9 June.