Chile faces economic pressure from toll reduction costs and diesel price risks

Chile faces potential economic challenges regarding infrastructure costs and fuel prices. Carlos Cruz, director of the Infrastructure Policy Council, warned that reducing TAG highway tolls by up to 30% could cost the government between US$600 million and US$800 million annually. Such a reduction might require extending concession contracts by four to five years and could increase traffic congestion in Santiago by incentivizing car use over public transport.

Simultaneously, the National Confederation of Truck Owners of Chile (CNDC) has urged the government to clarify mitigation plans regarding diesel prices. This follows reports that the United States administration under Donald Trump may implement a 90-day ban on diesel exports to lower domestic energy costs. The CNDC warned that such a move would have a “nefarious impact” on Chile, potentially driving up fuel costs and inflation for the nation's productive sectors.