General strike paralyses transport across Algeria amid fuel price hikes and new traffic law

A general strike by passenger and freight transport operators in Algeria has brought large parts of the country’s transport system to a standstill, as tensions between the government, unions and political parties intensified following recent fuel price increases and the adoption of a new traffic law with tougher penalties, Asharq Al Awsat reported on January 6. 

Since January 3, millions of Algerians have faced severe commuting difficulties as buses, taxis and trucks halted operations in most provinces. Public transport disruption has hit workers and university students hardest, with many unable to reach offices or campuses, particularly in major cities that rely heavily on private transport services.

Union-linked accounts say strike participation exceeded 90% in key regions, including Algiers, Sétif, Béjaïa and Tizi Ouzou, while intercity routes saw near-total shutdowns. State-owned bus operators continued limited services in an effort to maintain minimum mobility.

Protesters are demanding the withdrawal of amendments to the traffic law, approved by the lower house in December, arguing that harsher fines and prison sentences are excessive and disconnected from professional realities. They are also calling for higher transport fares, frozen since 2018, citing rising operating costs after fuel prices were raised on January 1 without prior notice.

Political reactions have diverged sharply. The ruling National Liberation Front warned against “undermining stability, arguing the measures aim to curb road fatalities (estimated at over 5,000 deaths annually). In contrast, opposition groups such as the Rally for Culture and Democracy blamed the government and parliament for fuelling inflation and squeezing vulnerable households through abrupt price hikes. Authorities have signalled openness to reviewing parts of the traffic law and reassessing transport tariffs, but unions say the strike will continue until concrete concessions are made.