I was just told by a friend that Spain is following suit with England in that people are blockading gas stations. Has anyone heard this? We'll be driving all over Spain starting Sept 22. What should we anticipate?

They started demonstrations today in Barcelona and Mérida. They were blocking roads in Barcelona.

Everything started in France. They got what they wanted from the government so they copied the idea in the UK and Belgium. Now they started in Spain.

Although Spain is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, you have to bear in mind that we also have one of the lowest salaries. If you put both things together, Spain is the fifth most expensive country (to buy gas). Also, it's been of the countries where prices have increased more.

Furthermore, there is no real competition among gas companies and prices are the same in most stations.

Farmers are the ones who have suffered most from this situation. They use a special kind of fuel (Gasóleo agrícola) and its price has increased by 100% in the last two years.

Regards,

Antonio

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The best tips from your favourite hostal in Madrid.
Hostal Chelo at http://www.chelo.com

[This message has been edited by Antonio (edited 11-28-2000).]

Hi,
I'm coming to Spain this Wednesday (and staying at Hostal Chelo!). I was wondering if the gas protests have caused rates to rise yet. I am going from Madrid to Barcelona and now do not know if by air, train or bus due to the current petrol situation. Any updated suggestions?

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Gas protests have just begun but I don't think they will have effects on gas prices.

The government have said they will only lower taxes to people using gas for their jobs (taxi drivers, farmers...). But they refused to lower gas taxes (without them, gas prices could be about 50 pesetas cheaper in Spain).

As for the Madrid - Barcelona trip, if you are doing a round trip flying in the best choice. Note that currently Air Europa pilots are on strike and this also affects Iberia flights (Madrid - Barcelona air shuttle service is mostly operated by Air Europa planes and crew).

Regards,

Antonio


------------------
The best tips from your favourite hostal in Madrid.
Hostal Chelo at http://www.chelo.com

I guess my real question is will we have trouble getting gasoline. Starting next week we'll be driving from Madrid south to Cadiz, Nerja, Granada, and back to Madrid. (2 week trip). Should we anticipate difficulty finding stations open with gasoline?