20 June 2019

Increased activity in freight transport

At the quarterly meeting held by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of the Observatories of the road haulage sector, an increase was observed in tonne-kilometres produced, especially in international transport (4.7%) and local transport (10.8%). However, there has been an increase in costs due to the increase in the price of fuel and, at the same time, a decrease in prices.

Transport activity
In the first quarter of 2019, tons per kilometre produced increased over the previous quarter. This increase occurs especially in local transport, with an increase of 10.8%, and in international transport, with an increase of 4.7%. However, national long-distance transport has been maintained with a slight increase of 0.5%.

Transport costs
As a result of the 6.6% increase in fuel prices and the 3.5% increase in financial costs, operating costs in the 20 categories analysed increase significantly.

Prices per kilometre travelled
As for the prices per kilometre of cargo decreased in medium and long distance, however, increased in short distance. The comparison between prices and operating costs shows that prices are not adapted to fluctuations in operating costs, which means that prices are highly inelastic to changes in costs.