22.10.2026 08:30
In southern Italy, truck drivers and farmers protesting rising fuel prices blocked main transport routes and disrupted food shipments. As supermarket shelves began to empty due to protests in the Campania, Puglia, Calabria and Sicily regions, there were difficulties in the supply of fruit, vegetables, milk and meat products. The crisis also negatively affected pasta and mozzarella production, while the government took action to support the transport sector.
Protests by truck drivers and farmers reacting to rising fuel prices in southern Italy have caused disruptions in food supply. It was reported that shelves have begun to empty in some supermarkets due to road blockades on main transport routes, while problems were experienced in the shipment of fruit, vegetables, milk and meat products.
TRUCK DRIVERS AND FARMERS CLOSED ROADS
Truck drivers and farmers reacting to rising diesel prices increasing transport and agricultural costs launched action on some main transport routes in southern Italy.
It was reported that food shipments were delayed and some products were kept in trucks and warehouses due to the protests disrupting transport in the Campania region and surrounding areas.
Protesters state that the rise in fuel costs is making it increasingly difficult for them to continue their operations.
SUPERMARKET SHELVES BEGAN TO EMPTY
The impact of the protests in the transport sector was felt most in supermarkets. Gaps formed on shelves due to disrupted product shipments, especially in Naples and in some parts of Campania, Calabria, Puglia and Sicily.
Difficulties were experienced in the supply of products that need to be consumed quickly, especially fruit, vegetables, milk, meat and cheese. Some supermarkets posted notices informing customers that certain products may temporarily be unavailable due to the strike.
PASTA AND MOZZARELLA PRODUCTION ALSO AFFECTED
The disruption of transport left not only supermarkets but also food producers in a difficult situation. While disruptions were experienced in pasta production because raw materials could not be delivered to factories, the production of Italy's famous buffalo milk mozzarella was also interrupted.
Producers stated that economic losses are growing because fresh milk cannot be processed on time. Mozzarella producers especially in the Campania region warned that losses could increase if shipments do not return to normal.
FUEL CRISIS SPREADS TO AIRPORTS
The impact of the protests extended to air transport. It was announced that problems were experienced in aircraft fuel supply at Crotone and Reggio Calabria airports in the Calabria region. Authorities asked pilots to prepare their flight plans taking into account disruptions in fuel supply.
GOVERNMENT STEP TO END THE CRISIS
Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini met with representatives of the transport sector and announced that support would be provided against rising diesel costs.
After the government's announcement of 480 million euros in aid for hauliers, some transporters in Sicily decided to end their actions. However, because protests continue in Calabria and other southern regions, the problems in the supply chain could not be fully resolved.
While the parties are expected to meet again on October 27, sector representatives warned that losses in food production and distribution could grow further if road blockades continue.