Spanish lorry drivers have started an indefinite strike in protest at the soaring price of diesel, which has risen by 20% so far this year.
Up to 90,000 hauliers stopped work at midnight last night and various protests and blockades can be expected. Similar action has been experienced in France and other European countries.
Most hauliers are self employed or are working for small to medium-sized companies and they are demanding that the government establish, by law, a minimum haulage price which reflects the changing price of fuel.
The government itself says it is preparing a package of measures to assist the transport sector including emergency loans, more flexible contracts and cash payments to older lorry drivers who are willing to retire.