According to several news reports the planned month long national transportation strike is taking its toll on the capital city. Sources report that “…travel in the city [Managua] is both risky and tense…” with taxi drivers refusing to enter parts of the city where blockades are set up to disrupt traffic. A bus driver was killed on Wednesday in northern Nicaragua but reportedly there was no conection to the strike.

The strike which started on May 5th is expected to last for 30 days. Transportation organizations including taxis, bus lines, and the trucking industry are demanding a reduction of fuel costs and a freeze on future prices.

The U.S. Embassy in Managua recommends U.S. citizens buy fuel, food, and water to last for at least a week. It also advised that travelers avoid driving through barricades.

If you have to travel in Nicaragua it’s a good idea to review some travel safety tips and be aware of the tension on the specific routes to your intended destination.