The 2008 Icelandic truck driver protests were protests started by truck drivers in Iceland through March−April 2008. The protest came about due to increasing oil prices and working hours.[1]
In 2008, due to the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis, Icelandic oil prices were increasing rapidly, with one Icelandic reporting that fuel for his 4x4 truck cost as much as 12,000 kronas ($161).
Truck drivers began protesting against these prices, also aiming for lower tariffs on fossil fuels.[2]
Violence against protesters is very rare in Iceland.[3]
According to a person's iReport footage, somebody from behind the police barricade sprayed a can of fluid into the crowd, possibly CS gas, as one protester is seen rubbing their eyes a few seconds later.[4]
Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde told the Fréttablaðið newspaper, “I am very sorry this happened. It is not in consistency with Icelandic traditions to solve disputes with violence, but I believe it is necessary that police use the resources they have to protect public safety.”[5]