Belizean Bus Operators Threaten to Suspend Chetumal Service Over Diesel Costs

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Belizean public transport operators are threatening to suspend cross-border bus service to Chetumal on Monday unless the government agrees to new measures to offset rising diesel prices, according to an industry representative.

Alberto Chell, owner of Chell’s Bus Service, said operators are in talks with Belizean authorities and hope to reach an agreement before any suspension takes effect. He said the steady increase in the price of diesel has significantly reduced operating margins.

Chell noted that current fares no longer cover rising operational costs, particularly fuel. He also pointed to additional expenses at the border, including fumigation fees charged at the Subteniente López checkpoint and delays caused by frequent congestion on the border bridge.

If no solution is reached, transport companies could temporarily halt cross-border service to Chetumal beginning Monday, affecting passengers who rely on the routes every day to travel between Belize and Mexico, including workers, students, tourists and people conducting business or official paperwork.

The fuel dispute has already triggered a major protest in Belize this year. On April 27, transport operators held a nationwide strike and blocked roads to demand government action. The walkout was lifted after an agreement with authorities, under which the Ministry of Transport provided a subsidy of $3 per gallon of fuel and authorized a $1 increase in bus fares.

Months later, operators say the financial pressure has not eased and diesel prices continue to hurt their finances. They are again seeking government support.

The situation is being closely monitored by tourism and commercial sectors on both sides of the border, given the importance of land transport between Belize and Chetumal for thousands of daily passengers.