Truck drivers and other professional drivers plan to stop traffic today at undisclosed locations to protest the recent increase in the price of diesel oil. On July 1, an oil fee law was activated, which means an extra ISK 51 is now charged per liter. The fee considerably increases the costs for self-employed professional drivers. Diesel oil now sells for almost the same price as gasoline.
According to Icelandic State Radio, RÚV, Geir Jón Þórisson, a senior police officer with the Reykjavík police, criticized the planned protests, saying that the police would take them seriously. He said roadblocks were especially dangerous as they would stop ambulances and police vehicles from reaching destinations in emergency situations and they would also lead to serious traffic jams.
Sturla Jónsson, spokesperson for the truck drivers said that the protests were on and that the drivers were not budging.
Traffic out of town is especially heavy this weekend due to the three-day labor day weekend. The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue, Landsbjörg condemned the planned protests and asks drivers to be be careful when driving this weekend.
