SIR:
The underlying problem with the recent fuel price increases is not only their economic impact, but a persistent failure in risk communication: no one prepared the citizenry. The government's efforts in containment and social assistance are appreciated, but incorporating scenario anticipation across the entire public apparatus is urgent.
Many Chileans learned of the increase when it was already a done deal. In public affairs, informing is often confused with communicating. Oil prices can be projected and expectations can be managed; when official statements come too late, uncertainty and distrust fill the void. The pattern repeats with electricity rates or climate emergencies. Communicating is not publishing a figure or issuing a reactive statement: it requires explaining, distinguishing audiences —the impact is not the same for a household as for a transporter— and coordinating beforehand.
Public trust is not regained by eloquently justifying a blow already delivered. It is built by getting there first.
Isabel Silva C.
Journalist
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Santiago, November 11, 2026.
Truck drivers' strike at various points in the Metropolitan Region due to rising fuel prices
Lo Herrera sector in San Bernardo
Diego Martin/Aton Chile DIEGO MARTIN/ATON CHILE Comments
MR. EDITOR:
The underlying problem with the recent fuel price increases is not only their economic impact, but a persistent failure in risk communication: no one prepared the public. The government's efforts in containment and social assistance are appreciated, but it is urgent to incorporate scenario anticipation throughout the entire public apparatus. Many Chileans learned of the increase when it was already a done deal. In public affairs, informing is often confused with communicating. Oil prices can be projected and expectations can be managed; when the official voice arrives late, uncertainty and distrust fill the void. The pattern repeats itself with electricity rates or climate emergencies. Communicating is not publishing a figure or issuing a reactive statement: it requires explaining, distinguishing audiences —the impact is not the same for a household as for a transporter— and coordinating beforehand. Public trust is not recovered by eloquently justifying a blow already dealt. It is built by arriving first.
Isabel Silva C.
Journalist
More about: Communication, Public trust