Truckers' protests against high fuel prices in the South continue , despite announced measures to support road haulage. The government is taking a hard line, carrying out identification and reporting for roadblocks. At the same time, it is finalizing a decree: starting tomorrow, the Prime Minister's office announced, the measures will be the focus of a Council of Ministers meeting convened by Prime Minister Meloni to address road haulage measures and resources for agriculture.

Faced with the spread of protests, sources at Palazzo Chigi emphasized that "compliance with the rules, freedom of movement, and the protection of economic activities must remain essential priorities." They added that "law enforcement has already escorted approximately 500 truck drivers. This service will be guaranteed to anyone who requests it, so they can continue working safely."

The Ministry of the Interior has launched a widespread operation to identify those who are illegally operating roadblocks that are obstructing traffic, especially in Campania. Hundreds of individuals have already been checked: 1,339 have been identified, 71 reported, and 242 have received administrative sanctions. The Ministry of the Interior, sources at the Ministry of the Interior explain, is also working to ease traffic congestion and ensure the continuity of supplies, particularly essential goods, ensuring the distribution of food and, today, also the delivery of medicines.

AID - Regarding aid to the sector, Deputy Minister of Transport Edoardo Rixi reiterated that the funds for road haulers "will be disbursed starting today, followed by a legislative decree . We are obviously calling for the blockades to be lifted." The ongoing blockades are exacerbating the difficulties for businesses and residents in the affected regions, to the point that the mayors of Naples and Bari, Gaetano Manfredi and Vito Leccese, are speaking of "cities paralyzed and submerged in waste."

THE DAMAGE – Businesses in Campania and Puglia are facing collapse , industry sources report. The Consortium for the Protection of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP is raising the alarm over production disruptions. "This situation risks inflicting a very serious blow to the sector." Legacoop Agroalimentari emphasizes that in five days, damage related to the yellow kiwi alone has amounted to approximately €30 million. The Crotone and Reggio Calabria airports have run out of fuel . And the impact on food distribution is severe , with perishable products, meat, fruit, fresh milk, and mineral water now absent from supermarket shelves in Campania, Puglia, and Calabria.

Even in Sicily, despite the lifting of the ban by the Sicilian Transport Committee (CTS), five days of missed food deliveries have left shelves empty.

Confcommercio President Carlo Sangalli appeals for "responsibility," hoping that "quick and effective solutions can be found." Coldiretti President Ettore Prandini says, "If this situation isn't resolved quickly, the consequences will be felt by farmers on the one hand and citizens on the other."

(Unioneonline/vl)

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