Truckers' Protests: Blockades and Empty Shelves in Southern Italy

Truckers' protests in Italy are expanding, with road and port blockades causing inconveniences and supply shortages in Basilicata, Calabria, Puglia, and Sicily. Demonstrators have blocked access to the port of Naples, halting loading and unloading operations in the Caserta area.

In addition, the A1 highway has seen disruptions with traffic jams extending up to two kilometers towards Rome and three kilometers on the A30 towards Caserta, according to Sky TG24. This situation is severely impacting food supplies, with supermarket shelves increasingly empty.

In Catanzaro, supermarkets have reported a shortage of fresh products, milk, and flour. Stores in Bari and Palermo have also recorded a lack of fish and fresh goods, while shelves are missing essential items such as bottled water, according to reports from la Repubblica and Rai News.

The mobilization began last week, leading the president of Confagricoltura Campania to express concern, stating that while the reasons for the protest may be understood, the situation is at risk of wasting food.

A delegation of truckers met with Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini in Milan. Several government representatives are attempting to initiate dialogue to address the issues, despite growing discontent and anger among kiwi producers in the region.

Protests are also reported in other areas of Southern Italy, highlighting a crisis affecting multiple sectors, with direct consequences for local supplies and trade.