The key facts
- Protests over rising diesel prices have affected Campania, Calabria, Basilicata, Apulia and Sicily; access to the commercial port of Naples has been blocked.
- Shortages of goods, especially fresh produce, have been reported in parts of Campania, Sicily and Calabria.
- Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said the government is ready for dialogue; on Tuesday the ministry will meet with industry associations.
Scale of the protests
Trucker protests over rising fuel prices spread across southern Italy on Monday, the Italian news agency ANSA reported. Access to the commercial port of Naples has been blocked, and road blockades and demonstrations have also affected Calabria, Basilicata, Apulia and Sicily.
Impact on supplies
The blockades have slowed the distribution of goods, especially fresh produce: shortages were reported in parts of Campania, Sicily and Calabria, and some supermarket shelves have gone empty. According to ANSA, the protests have hindered the harvesting and delivery of agricultural products, raising concerns among producers about possible losses.
Demands and the authorities' response
Truckers are protesting against rising diesel prices and are seeking higher freight rates. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said he was confident the government would be able to release withheld funds, listen to the truckers' demands and begin dialogue in order to ease tensions on roads and motorways. On Tuesday, the transport ministry plans to meet with representatives of national industry associations.
