Protests by truck drivers against soaring diesel prices spread across southern Italy on Thursday, raising fears of disruptions to essential goods and commercial supplies, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
Although some transport operators have decided to suspend their demonstrations, others remain determined to continue their blockades until the government introduces concrete measures to address rising fuel costs.
In the Sicilian town of Gela, truck drivers maintained their protest, leaving dozens of heavy vehicles parked near a roundabout on the SS 117 bis Gela-Catania road at the town’s entrance.
The protesting drivers insisted that they would not withdraw without meaningful government action.
“We will continue until there are concrete results. Announcements are of no use to us. These stationary trucks represent our entire lives and our work,” the drivers said.
The demonstration has also drawn support from truck drivers who, in recent days, parked their vehicles alongside farmers protesting at the entrance to Gela, in the province of Caltanissetta.
As demonstrations continued across the south, the mayors of Naples and Bari reportedly warned that prolonged transport blockades could bring activity in their cities to a standstill.
Concerns over supply shortages have persisted despite decisions by some truck drivers to end or temporarily suspend their protests.
The disruption has prompted authorities to consider measures to maintain the movement of essential goods and prevent further interruptions to transport networks.
The Italian government has adopted a firm position towards the protests, with authorities expected to identify and report those responsible for obstructing roads.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi reportedly instructed prefects and police chiefs to closely monitor the demonstrations, particularly for possible “criminal infiltration”.
The Interior Ministry is also preparing measures to safeguard supplies of essential commodities.
Law enforcement agencies are reportedly ready to provide escorts for truck drivers seeking assistance in continuing their journeys through affected areas.
Government Prepares Relief Measures for Transport and Agriculture
Meanwhile, the government is drafting a decree intended to provide financial support to the road transport industry and additional funding for the agricultural sector.
The proposed measures come as transport operators and farmers face mounting pressure from higher operating costs.
The decree is scheduled to be considered by the Council of Ministers at noon on Thursday.
However, protesters in Gela have maintained that government announcements alone will not be sufficient to end their demonstration, insisting on tangible results before resuming normal operations.