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Amidst Global Instability and Soring Oil Prices

KPTU-TruckSol Calls for Implementation of Extraordinary Measures to Safeguard Truck Driver Livelihoods and Public Safety

The KCTU-Korean Public Service and Transport Workers’ Union Cargo Truckers’ Solidarity Division (KPTU-TruckSol) joins workers and unions around the world in condemning the U.S. and Israel’s military attack on Iran. We express our grave concern at the loss of life and escalating instability in the Middle East and globally and call for an immediate ceasefire.

The deteriorating situation has led to an abrupt surge in international oil prices. According to OPINET, the average diesel price in Korea has jumped from approximately KRW 1,620/litre in January to roughly KRW 1,860/litre, a sharp increase of nearly KRW 240 in just two months. This represents a monthly increase nearly six times higher than the normal average of approximately KRW 20.

Instability and skyrocketing oil prices are a direct blow to road safety and truck workers’ livelihoods

Oil prices have a deep structural impact on road freight transport. With fuel costs making up a significant portion of transport-related expenses and Korean truck drivers responsible for purchasing, operating and maintaining their vehicles, soaring oil prices constitute nothing less than a livelihood crisis. Because changes in fuel prices are not immediately reflected in freight rates, the burden of rising transport costs is shifted entirely onto truck drivers, forcing them into an abnormal situation where their income decreases the more they work. If oil prices continue to rise, Korean truck drivers will be forced into the impossible situation of having to choose either to operate at a loss, abandon their work altogether, or attempting to secure extra shipments through speeding and working excessively long hours. Ultimately, the fuel price surge threatens not only truck drivers and their families, but everyone on the road as truck drivers are forced into unsafe practices such as overloading and overwork.

Corporate shippers and oil companies outsourcing risk, passing on costs and responsibility

Irresponsible behaviour by major corporate shippers and logistics companies, coupled with the collusive cartel of oil refiners, is intensifying the suffering of truck drivers. Shippers and logistics companies, who hold the power to determine freight rates, are turning a blind eye to rising cost as oil prices soar, shifting all the burden onto truck drivers. Consequently, truck drivers are forced to bear the shock alone, forcing them to operate at a loss and risk their very survival. Corporate shippers and logistics companies have hidden behind truck driver fuel subsidies, in effect using taxpayers' money to cover transport costs they should cover. This unaccountable structure must now end. The responsibility for soaring fuel prices can no longer be shifted on to truck drivers. The government must undertake structural reforms that hold those who are responsible to account.

The fundamental solution lies in expanding the Safe Rated System

The fundamental solution to these problems can be found in institutional mechanisms that ensure oil price fluctuations are adequately reflected in freight rates. The Safe Rates System, which currently applies to certain freight types, includes a mechanism that reflects changes in transport costs, such as oil price increases, in freight rates. This system plays a crucial role in protecting truck drivers’ livelihoods and ensuring road safety. Given the ongoing instability of oil prices, the Safe Rates System must be expanded to cover all vehicle and freight types, institutionally guaranteeing freight rates are linked to oil prices. This is the minimum safeguard required, not only to protect truck drivers but to enable a sustainable logistics industry.

The government must ensure immediate protections and expand the Safe Rates System

Stability in the road transport industry is only possible when drivers’ livelihood and safety are guaranteed. The government must not neglect the suffering of truck drivers due to the sharp rise in international oil prices. It must come up with short-term protections while also addressing the structural problems that shift costs onto workers. Institutional mechanisms must be established to ensure the responsible parties – major corporate shippers, logistics companies, and oil refiners – bear their fair share of the costs. We urgently call on the government to achieve a fundamental solution by expanding the Safe Rates System to cover all vehicle and freight types, thereby safeguarding truck drivers’ livelihoods and saving lives on our roads!

6 March 2026

KPTU Cargo Truckers’ Solidarity Division