Strike in Argentina to affect biodiesel movement

News reports from Argentina claim biodiesel and feedstock exports will be disrupted on 18 July as port and shipping workers go on strike.

The country’s unions for grain handlers, port workers and some shipping workers are downing tools in protest against government taxes. Although many workers allegedly received a pay rise this year, it now means they have to pay higher income tax. This, coupled with an inflation rate currently above 25%, has sparked the demonstration.

‘There won't be workers to control the weight and quality of the products so boats won't be able to load,’ Guillermo Wade, president of the Argentine Chamber of Port and Maritime Activities, was quoted as saying.

Argentina currently delivers 155,000 tonnes of biodiesel a month via ships split between exports and in-house refinery use.

The strike is believed to be enforced until midnight of Friday at most ports, with some pledging to hold out until early Saturday morning.