"Diesel Approaching 3,000 Won, Frustration Mounts"… Logistics Workers Demand Government Measures

Diesel Price Reaches 2,840 Won per Liter at a Gas Station in Seoul City

On the 21st, the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions urged the government to establish measures for cargo workers in response to the soaring fuel prices. Photo by Cargo Solidarity Headquarters

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] “If I earn 200,000 won a day, up to 120,000 won goes to fuel costs.”

Truck driver Jeong Ho-hwa (45) said this on the 21st, with a sigh. He has been driving a 14-ton truck for 20 years. He says there has never been a tougher time than now. Due to COVID-19 reducing work opportunities, the urea solution crisis, and now soaring fuel costs, he even tried to increase his working hours. However, he said that only repair and maintenance costs increased. Jeong said, “As a father of two children and the head of the household, I earn an average of 3 million won per month, but with up to 1.5 million won spent on fuel costs, it’s impossible to make ends meet.”

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine causing international oil prices to surge, fuel cost burdens on logistics workers are increasing. According to the Korea National Oil Corporation’s oil price information site OPINET, as of 8 a.m. on the 22nd, the nationwide average price per liter of gasoline and diesel was 2,001 won and 1,917 won respectively, forming a base price range around 2,000 won. The highest prices nationwide reached 2,872 won for gasoline and 2,840 won for diesel, approaching 3,000 won.

Logistics workers said that rising fuel costs have increased their operating expenses. Private courier driver Ma Seung-cho (63) said, “Each time I go from Seoul to Suwon in Gyeonggi Province, the freight fee is 80,000 won, but 60,000 won goes to fuel costs, so there is practically nothing left.” Delivery driver Park (37) said, “Spring is called the ‘barley hump’ among riders because delivery volumes decrease, but with fuel costs rising, I am losing up to 120,000 won per week.”

Parcel delivery driver Joo Kyung-hwan (47) said that the government’s fuel subsidy has decreased from 350 won per liter to 230 won. Joo stated, “I used to be able to fill up the tank for 60,000 won per week, but now I have to spend 120,000 won on fuel.” The fuel subsidy is linked to fuel tax. Even though the government lowered fuel taxes citing soaring oil prices, parcel delivery drivers’ burdens have increased because of this.

Logistics workers have begun demanding countermeasures from the government. On the 21st at 11 a.m., the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a press conference at the Gwanghwamun Government Complex, demanding from the government ▲ inclusion of cargo workers in fuel price measures that previously excluded them ▲ expansion of the safe freight system guaranteeing fuel price-linked freight rates to all vehicle types and cargo items ▲ increase of deficit freight rates for cargo workers. Yoon Jung-hyun, head of the Post Office branch of the Parcel Delivery Union, said, “Wage negotiations are underway, and we plan to demand wage adjustments reflecting the rise in fuel costs.” Gu Gyo-hyun, secretary-general of the Rider Union, also said, “After assessing the actual conditions of riders, we plan to demand relief of individual consumption taxes like other commercial vehicles.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.