Italy truck drivers' protests disrupt food and fuel supplies as government moves to end blockades

Key points

• Truck drivers' protests caused food and fuel shortages across southern Italy.
• Italy approved additional financial support to ease rising transport costs.
• Roadblocks were lifted by October 23, but some fuel shortages remained.

Truck drivers' protests across southern Italy have disrupted transport networks, supermarket deliveries and fuel supplies, although some drivers began lifting roadblocks on Thursday following talks with the government.

The demonstrations, which began last week over rising diesel prices and transport costs, have caused shortages of fresh food in Naples, Sicily, Calabria and Puglia. Retailers reported that fruit, vegetables, milk and meat were stranded in warehouses and delivery vehicles.

The disruption has also affected two airports in Calabria, where shortages of aviation fuel forced airlines to make alternative refuelling arrangements. Roadblocks caused long traffic queues near Naples and interrupted deliveries to businesses and essential services.

Protests also reached the northeastern city of Ravenna, where trucks and tractors gathered in the city centre. However, reports of shortages in Milan and Tuscany have not been independently established to the same extent as those in southern Italy.

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Italy's government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has promised financial support for transport operators and farmers. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has also raised the possibility of limiting diesel prices to ease pressure on the industry.

By October 22, truck drivers in Sicily and Calabria had agreed to suspend several blockades, while some protesters in Gela continued their demonstrations, demanding concrete action on fuel costs.

The government has also offered police escorts for vehicles carrying essential supplies, including food and medicines, as authorities work to restore deliveries and prevent further shortages.

Despite signs of improvement, the protests have exposed the dependence of Italian supermarkets, businesses and public services on road transport, with continued disruption threatening supplies beyond the southern regions.

By Friday, October 23, the last remaining roadblocks in Campania had been removed, according to Italian news agency ANSA. Supermarkets were gradually restocking, although several petrol stations remained without fuel.

The government also approved an additional €106 million in tax credits for truck drivers, alongside support for farmers and the fishing industry.