Irish holidaymakers heading to Spain could be caught in the middle of "serious" problems marring the tourist hotspot.
Hauliers across the country have been striking in recent days against rising fuel prices.
The consequence of this is that food shortages could be exacerbated across Spain which would have a detrimental impact on the tourism industry.
READ MORE: Spain holidays: Positive update for Irish holidaymakers as major Covid rule lifted before Easter
Supply chains have already been disrupted since the strike began, with shortages of fresh products such as eggs and dairy goods already reported.
The Spanish government are meeting on Thursday to discuss measures that could reduce the impact on fuel prices for the haulage sector.
It comes as hoteliers in Costa del Sol, one of the top destinations for Irish holidaymakers, have said they fear there will be shortages due to the strike.
One leading worker said it could cause “serious” problems for tourism in the region which typically sees millions of visitors every year to its golden beaches and bustling bars.
“It’s an issue which is worrying us a great deal," said Javier Hernández from the Aehcos hoteliers association on the Costa del Sol.
Planning a Spanish holiday? Have your say in the comments section
There could be shortages of fruit, vegetables and eggs in the popular tourist destination, as the Express reports.
“If things go on as they are at the moment, we will have serious supply problems of basic food items which are perishable and can’t be kept for long," Mr Hernández said.
“We are hoping for a fast solution to this problem because it is something that concerns us more as each day passes.”
Supermarkets in the Canaries also fear shortages with the islands receiving 70% less cargo than normal last week.
Currently, around 80% of items consumed on the islands are transported from mainland Spain.
Representatives from the food distribution sector claimed: “The Government hasn’t done anything, they don’t seem to be aware of the scale of the situation, and the fact that the problem is growing.
"They are hiding behind the fact that it is a Madrid issue, and they believe that since there is no strike here, nothing is wrong.”
However, the general secretary of the Association of Supermarkets in the Canary Islands said there was “no shortage” on the islands although he acknowledged that less cargo was arriving.
The Spanish dairy industry is likely to be heavily impacted if the strike continues as produce may have to be thrown away if it can’t be delivered.
Spain’s Government said it would do everything possible to reduce fuel prices and mobilised over 16,000 members of the Guardia Civil to prevent violent behaviour at the pickets.
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter.
