Andorra Bus Firms Warn of Fare Hikes Amid Iran War Fuel Surge

Bus companies in Andorra are voicing growing concern over the sharp rise in fuel prices triggered by the outbreak of war in Iran, warning that prolonged increases could force fare hikes for passengers.

Operators of national bus lines, including Coopalsa, Nadal, and Andbus, say the near-daily surges at fuel stations are hitting their high-volume fleets hard. Coopalsa manager Gabriel Dalleres noted that the company consumes "many, many litres" annually across vehicles running long hours daily with heavy fuel use. "Anything affecting operating costs is a concern, though there's little we can do," he said.

For their government-contracted national routes, the firms expect to factor extra costs into future economic equilibrium discussions with authorities. Dalleres indicated that if prices stabilise at higher levels, they could be addressed "in the concession's economic balance schemes." Nadal's director, Bartumeu Gabriel, echoed this, stating adjustments would follow government approval.

However, non-contracted services lack such protections. Dalleres warned that significant price shifts there would require tariff changes, while Gabriel added: "We're absorbing it for now, but an increase may be needed later, or it will become impossible." He recalled similar pressures during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Andbus CEO Albert Vinseiro shared the worries, relieved the spike coincides with the end of the winter season when contracts signed months ago cannot be altered. "If this happened in January, the impact would be stronger," he said, adding firms would seek to pass on costs in upcoming winter deals.

Both Gabriel and Vinseiro called for potential aid measures if the crisis persists, such as fiscal relief. Vinseiro observed: "There's fiscal margin to lower taxes, but based on past crises, I doubt it will happen."