Trucker protest empties supermarket shelves across southern Italy

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 17:38 · Archive

Truck drivers protesting high diesel costs have blocked distribution warehouses near Naples, leaving supermarket shelves and petrol pumps empty across southern Italy.

Supermarket shelves and petrol pumps have been emptied across southern Italy as truck drivers protest against soaring diesel costs linked to the Iran war. Protesters blocked loading and unloading at distribution warehouses near Naples on Monday, preventing fresh food and other goods from reaching shops. One supermarket posted a note on empty shelves apologising that 'some products may be temporarily unavailable or available in a reduced range'.

Shortages of fresh pasta, packaged cheeses, meats and produce have been reported across the region, with reports from Naples, Sicily, Calabria and Puglia. Shoppers have also contributed to shortages through stockpiling. Diesel prices are roughly a third higher than before the Iran war, despite government efforts to curb pump prices. A temporary diesel tax discount expired earlier this month.

Transport Minister Matteo Salvini met national trucking associations on Tuesday to address the crisis. He promised tax credits to offset soaring diesel prices and funds to modernise trucking fees. Paolo Uggè, president of the Unatras group of trucking associations, said Salvini promised payments would begin Wednesday and pledged legislation to address operating costs. Another meeting was set for the following week. The truckers' action is part of wider demonstrations spreading across Europe as the war disrupts economies.

How it is being reported

• Trucker protest leaves supermarket shelves and gas pumps empty in southern ItalySupermarkets and gas stations in Naples are facing shortages due to week-long protests by truck drivers against high gasoline costs.News4Jax · 20 Oct, 16:56
• Trucker protest leaves supermarket shelves and gas pumps empty in southern ItalySupermarkets and gas stations in Naples are facing shortages due to week-long protests by truck drivers against high gasoline costs.Clickorlando · 20 Oct, 16:56

In this story: Naples · Sicily · Calabria · Puglia · Matteo Salvini · Paolo Uggè · Unatras · Iran

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