Fuel strike by tanker drivers impacts Radès, not sanctioned by UGTT
A surprise strike by tanker truck drivers, which began on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in the Radès oil zone, is causing disruptions at service stations in the capital. Long queues of motorists have been observed, affecting traffic in some areas. The strike has halted the transport and distribution of petroleum products from Radès, slowing down supplies to service stations, particularly in Greater Tunis and neighboring regions. Slim Sehimi, Secretary General of the General Federation of Oil and Chemical Products, confirmed the distribution disruptions to Tap, stating that the Tunisian General Labour Union UGTT did not call for this "anarchic" strike. However, Sehimi believes the movement was predictable due to some private companies' refusal to apply agreed-upon accords and a stalled social dialogue. Drivers are demanding the implementation of salary increases mandated by the finance law and the regularization of their social security status with the National Social Security Fund CNSS. Another grievance involves social contributions, with Sehimi noting that amounts are deducted from drivers' salaries but not remitted to the CNSS. Selouane Smiri, Deputy Secretary General of the UGTT, also told Tap that the strike was triggered by deteriorating professional and social conditions for drivers and a lack of negotiations in several private companies. Key demands include the application of a 2018 agreement and the regularization of healthcare cards and social coverage. The General Fed