Agreement Between the Government and Transporters: Blockades Lifted and ACPM Price Increase Adjusted

Following a marathon negotiation session that began at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5th, and concluded at 5:35 a.m. on Friday, September 6th, the national government and representatives from the cargo and passenger transportation sectors reached a significant agreement in response to the protests triggered by the increase in ACPM (diesel fuel) prices. Over 4,000 individuals were involved in this process, which culminated in a Commitment Act signed by both parties on September 6th.

Key Agreements
The core of the agreement is the adjustment to the increase in ACPM prices. As outlined, the price hike will be COP$800, divided into two phases:

• COP$400 will take effect once Resolution 40350, issued by the Ministries of Mines and Energy and Finance in 2004, is amended.
• The remaining COP$400 will be implemented starting December 1, 2024.
  This agreement halts any future increases in diesel fuel prices until structural changes are made within the cargo and passenger transport sectors.

Additional Measures for the Transport Sector
The government has committed to addressing the challenges faced by the transport sector through technical working groups, which must be convened within no more than eight days. These working groups will include various services, such as dump trucks, light vehicles, liquid cargo, refrigerated goods, and vehicle carriers, each of which will have representation.
Moreover, a series of additional measures will be implemented to improve the conditions in the sector, including:

• Engaging all stakeholders in the review of the Efficient Cost Information System for Motor Freight Transport (SICETAC).
• Reforming the cargo manifest to be recognized as a negotiable instrument with enforceable merit.
• Introducing a sanctions bill for the transport sector in Congress.
• Reviewing vehicle replacement policies, including for dump trucks and two-axle rigid cargo vehicles.

Commitment to Mobility and SICETAC Enforcement
A key aspect of the agreement was the commitment to lift all road blockades across the country, thus ensuring free movement. Similarly, the Ministry of Transport will strengthen its oversight of SICETAC compliance, addressing issues such as unauthorized discounts, balance payments, and prompt payment policies.

Lastly, working groups will be established to analyze the formula used to set ACPM prices, and a bill will be introduced in Congress to address this matter. Meetings will also be held with representatives from the heavy machinery and tow truck sectors to resolve specific issues in these areas.

The agreement was well received by both the transportation sector and the government, bringing an end to a series of protests that had disrupted normal transport operations across the country.