More than 2,000 demonstrators clash with police. Drivers are angry at higher fuel costs and extra fees, block access roads with their vehicles. The authorities censor reports in media, fearing they might trigger mass protests.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Hundreds of lorry drivers continue to block access to the port of Shanghai after engaging police in violent clashes yesterday. The latter had moved in to clear them out. Today is the third day of protests over rising fuel prices and the authorities are trying to stop a Jasmine Revolution from developing in the country. Today, a Shanghai newspaper reported that drivers would enjoy some breaks as of 1 May drivers.

This morning, protesters gathered around the China International Marine Containers, in Baoshan district, in the city's northeastern outskirts. The situation was confused, local sources said. Police moved in right away to disperse the meeting.

Violence remains a strong possibility after 2,000 demonstrators yesterday clashed with police near Waigaoqiao. In fact, on Wednesday, eight or nine drivers were arrested when they tried to overturn a traffic patrol car. Since then, police has been patrolling the area around the city’s ports.

Late on Wednesday, protesters also smashed the windows of trucks belonging to drivers who refused to take part in the protest.

It is not clear whether the labour action will cause delays in shipments, especially to North America.

The drivers’ blockade in Shanghai, China’s biggest and the world’s busiest container port, is clearly a source of concern for the authorities who fear that price-related protests might turn into something like a Jasmine Revolution.

In fact, state media have not reported any news about the lorry drivers’ action, fearing contagion. However, reports about the blockade have spread on the Internet, albeit amid great uncertainty.

Anonymous sources said that police beat three drivers to death, a claim the authorities deny, this according to a newspaper.

In March, inflation jumped by 5.4 per cent, the highest since July 2008. However, the rise in food prices was even greater (+11.7 per cent) as was that of other basic items.

Drivers chose to strike because recent price hikes made it impossible for them to earn a living.

They are also angry about new fees (an extra 50 yuan per truck with more than one container) charged by private warehouse operators, which they say sharply cut into their profits.

• china
• shanghai
• strike
• blockade
• jasmine
• revolution
• clashes