Algeria eases transport tensions following fuel price hikes and controversial traffic law

Algeria’s government has taken emergency measures to defuse rising social tensions following fuel price increases and the start of procedures to implement a controversial new traffic law, amid strikes and growing public anger, Asharq Al Awsat reported on January 3.

Under pressure from transport unions, the Algerian authorities agreed to revise taxi and public transport fares and announced plans to review key provisions of the traffic law, particularly articles introducing tougher prison sentences and heavy fines. The law has sparked widespread opposition among professional drivers. The draft law includes stricter fines, tougher licensing rules, mandatory medical and drug tests, and jail terms of up to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter, provisions that have drawn strong resistance from bus and truck drivers.

Fuel prices rose at the start of January, triggering protests and a nationwide strike by taxi, bus and truck drivers. Although the increases were relatively modest, the lack of prior announcement fuelled discontent. Following talks with the ministries of interior and transport, unions said an agreement was reached, with approval from senior state officials, to introduce an official increase in transport fares, though no specific rates were disclosed.

Unions also said the government had agreed to amend the traffic law, which was passed by the lower house of parliament in late December and is still awaiting approval by the upper chamber, the Council of the Nation. The interior ministry confirmed the law has not yet entered into force and could be revised to reflect professional concerns.