BRASILIA, Brazil, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Truck drivers in Brazil blocked highways in multiple states to protest high taxes on diesel fuel and low wages.

Highways have been blocked in the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goias, Minas Gerais, Parana and Santa Catarina. Traffic was backed up for miles and some locations have experienced fuel shortages.


The protests began early last week but gained momentum by the weekend and Monday.

Truckers demand that the government reduce a recent tax increase on diesel fuel because their wages haven't increased.

Police fired tear gas and arrested seven people after clashing with protesters on the road leading to Santos, Brazil's busiest port. Deliveries of corn and soy have slowed to Paranagua, another of Brazil's main ports.

Protests leaders have been invited by the government to attempt to reach a resolution.

The protests are affecting the country's exports.

About 30 percent of Brazil's soy harvest comes from the state of Mato Grosso, where the protests began.

➊ Higher taxes on diesel fuel and low incomes—Protests by truckers widens in Brazil. http://t.co/AI2Iv5fuBY by @jtlSP pic.twitter.com/ErFxZ8NRhp — Brazil Character Lab (@scharlab) February 24, 2015

About 50 percent of Mato Grosso's soy for the year has been harvested, but much is waiting to be transported. Many farmers in the country say their silos are full.

The protests haven't affected soy prices much, but businesses may be reluctant to make new deals on the crop due to the protests and worries about late crop shipments.