The Netherlands and Hungary made concessions to truckers over the weekend to avoid more fuel-price protests, and Irish truckers lifted their protests after the government agreed to talks. In other countries, however, fuel price protests are continuing or just getting under way.
Dutch truckers withdrew the roadblocks that have been snarling traffic for almost a week after the Dutch government agreed to give trucking, taxi and bus companies, as well as other fuel-using companies, some $300 million to compensate for high fuel prices.
Truckers in the Netherlands blocked national roads and blew their horns outside government offices Friday, before the government finally agreed to meet with the transport unions to discuss their protest.
The Hungarian government averted threatened protests by agreeing to postpone a 6 percent increase in excise taxes as long as the world crude oil price is over $25 a barrel.
The Irish Road Haulage Assn. also lifted its protests after the government approached them Friday night about talks on the issue of excise taxes and other problems in the trucking industry.
In Germany, truckers drove slowly through Hanover, Osnabrueck, Meiningen and Ulm with horns blaring to protest high fuel prices Saturday, but the demonstrations did not cause any serious disruptions. The German Federation of Road Hauliers has called on all truckers to join a protest on Sept. 26. Polls in Germany indicate high public support for the truckers' plight. Government officials warn they will use federal border patrol officers to clear any illegal blockades, but have hinted of some tax concessions in the works.
In Denmark, about 1,100 truckers met over the weekend and decided to hold off on protests until they meet with the government Thursday.
In Spain, truckers and farmers parked outside fuel depots in several cities. The government is talking to trucker groups. The National Platform of Fuel Consumers, which includes truckers along with farmers, fishermen and taxi drivers, is threatening to blockade refineries and fuel depots as their counterparts did in France and England.
Several hundred truck drivers, farmers, and car owners blocked Sweden's main ports and ferry terminals on Saturday, according to the Swedish haulers federation. Although they lifted port blockades late Saturday, trucker groups warned they would be stepping up their action again today. Representatives from the Federation of Southern Haulers are due to meet with government officials this week.
However, according to AFP, Prime Minister Goeran Persson has ruled out any reduction in taxes on fuel, while sympathizing with the problems faced by of road-using professionals.
Finnish truckers joined the fray with a small protest Sunday, followed by a blockade of about 50 trucks targeting the main refinery of Finnish energy group Fortum at Porvoo today.
In Norway on Monday truckers blocked 11 oil terminals at key ports along the country's southern and western coasts.
Some European Truckers Win Concessions, Others Continue Fuel Protests
The Netherlands and Hungary made concessions to truckers over the weekend to avoid more fuel-price protests, and Irish truckers lifted their protests after the government agreed to talks. In other countries, however, fuel price protests are continuing or just getting under way
More Equipment

Volvo Redesigns the VNR With Drivers and Tight Turns in Mind
At Volvo’s New River Valley customer center, the all-new VNR proves that maneuverability, safety, and driver confidence can coexist in a regional-haul workhorse.
Read More →
FTR: Trailer Orders Jump in March, but Demand Still Lags
March trailer orders posted an unexpected monthly jump, but demand still trails historical norms as fleets prioritize power units over trailing equipment.
Read More →
Autonomous Start-Up Humble Announces Cabless Autonomous Electric Hauler
A new autonomous truck startup company is targeting yard, port, and short-haul freight with a lighter, fully autonomous platform designed for dock-to-dock moves.
Read More →
Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended
Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.
Read More →
Kenworth Announces Reinforced Front Frame Option for T880 and T880S Models
Kenworth has released a factory-installed reinforced front frame option for T880 models, designed to simplify upfits, cut costs, and speed time to service.
Read More →
Stoughton Rolls Out PureBlue Reefer Trailer, Raises Safety Bar With 40-mph Rear Impact Guard
Stoughton’s new refrigerated trailer platform delivers double-digit efficiency gains while a next-generation rear impact guard exceeds current crash standards.
Read More →New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]
Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.
Read More →
How Maxiloda’s Glide System Unlocks Hidden Trailer Capacity
By turning unused vertical space into usable capacity, Maxiloda’s Glide system helps fleets move more freight per trip while reducing loading risks and equipment damage.
Read More →
Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers
Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.
Read More →
Kenworth Revives Iconic 'TourAmerica' Paint Scheme
Kenworth’s new, limited-edition scheme celebrates trucking heritage while supporting a nationwide mobile museum tour.
Read More →
