Southern Italy Truckers Ease Protests After Government Approves Aid

Truck drivers in southern Italy began easing protests on Thursday after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government approved additional financial assistance to offset rising fuel costs. Hauliers had blocked roads and motorways since the previous week, disrupting the movement of essential goods and demanding government support. Protest representatives in Sicily and Calabria agreed to suspend their actions following talks with officials, while efforts continued to lift roadblocks in the Campania region around Naples.

The Italian cabinet approved an additional €106 million in tax credits for truck drivers, taking previously announced assistance to a higher level. The government also allocated €60 million to farmers and €10 million to the fisheries sector. The protests had caused significant supply disruptions, affecting supermarkets, petrol stations and hospitals. In Naples, fuel shortages threatened ambulance services, healthcare workers’ travel and municipal waste collection, prompting officials to call for essential services to remain accessible.

The transport disruptions also forced several businesses to suspend operations, including buffalo mozzarella, pasta and tomato sauce producers. Automaker Stellantis halted production at plants in Pomigliano d’Arco, Atessa and Melfi because of component shortages. Food producer La Doria also reported shutting seven plants and placing half its workforce on forced leave. The government has offered police escorts to trucks carrying essential supplies and warned against violence and intimidation targeting drivers who want to return to work.

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