Chile rains and border closures spark supply shortages, price hikes

Heavy rains have damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure across Chile, disrupting the transport of raw materials and agricultural products. Economist Nicolás Román of the University of the Andes warned that the reduced flow of inputs will raise the cost of fruits, vegetables and other goods, eventually lifting the Consumer Price Index.

In the southern Magallanes region, prolonged truck queues at the Cardenal Samoré border crossing—exacerbated by adverse weather and the closure of the Libertadores and Pino Hachado passes—have led to partial product shortages. Jaime Cárdenas, president of the transport association Utramag, said supermarkets showed empty shelves and called for better coordination between carriers and authorities to prevent a full‑blown crisis.