IRU calls on the European Commission to provide targeted support to road transport operators amidst surging diesel prices and reaffirms its commitment to dialogue.
IRU has written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to call for targeted EU measures that ease the financial pressure on road transport operators, particularly from rising diesel prices linked to the Middle East crisis.
The letter comes amid occasional protests and spontaneous blockades by operators in several EU countries. IRU and its national member federations do not support these actions and remain committed to dialogue and constructive cooperation, so that logistics chains and passenger mobility continue to function.
IRU Secretary General Habib Turki said, “Trucks, buses and coaches across the EU use approximately 6.8 billion litres of diesel every month. With fuel accounting for around 30% of operating costs and many operators working on margins of just 1–3%, price increases place significant strain on businesses.”
“Many firms, especially the vast majority of operators who are SMEs, do not have the financial reserves to cover for surging diesel prices. Late payments further weaken their financial resilience. Targeted EU measures would give operators the stability to keep services running and continue investing,” he added.
The letter calls for two concrete measures: extending the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework by one year, until 31 December 2027, while maintaining the existing provisions for road transport; and proposing a dedicated EU regulation on late payments in commercial road transport, with a maximum payment period of 30 days backed by effective enforcement.
“Operators need practical solutions, not disruption. We do not support protests and blockades. We are calling for constructive dialogue and targeted measures that address the pressures businesses face, protect the continuity of transport services and strengthen the sector’s resilience,” concluded Habib Turki.