Strikes and Fuel Protests Cause Supply Disruptions Across Southern Italy

A wave of trucker protests against high fuel prices has created severe supply chain disruptions and fuel shortages across southern regions of Italy, prompting the National Strike Guarantee Commission to formally request the mandatory requisition of services, known as precettazione. Despite some transport unions voluntarily calling off their demonstrations, widespread and persistent roadblocks continue in clear violation of sector regulations and self-regulation codes, according to the Commission.

The ongoing labor unrest has generated a severe threat to constitutional rights, including health, safety, and freedom of movement. Consequently, the Commission has notified the relevant authorities to implement immediate measures ensuring the resumption of deliveries for essential goods and public services, citing Article 13 of Law No. 146 of 1990.

The transportation disruptions have severely impacted daily life and commerce, particularly in Campania, Calabria, Puglia, and Sicily. In the Salerno area, the University of Salerno announced the suspension of classes and examinations due to persistent fuel shortages and transportation difficulties affecting campuses in Fisciano and Baronissi. Meanwhile, aviation has also been affected; an EasyJet flight from Bari to London had to make an unscheduled technical stop in Paris for refueling because fuel transport trucks were trapped by roadblocks in Campania.

Supermarkets across southern cities have reported critically low stocks of perishable goods such as fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy. Representatives from retail and agricultural sectors note that while northern markets are largely unaffected or turning to alternative suppliers in Spain and Tunisia, southern regions face mounting shortages. Mayors Gaetano Manfredi of Naples and Vito Leccese of Bari have urged national government intervention, warning that empty supermarket shelves are beginning to threaten waste collection and public transit operations.

Amid the demonstrations, authorities have raised concerns regarding potential criminal infiltration. The Public Prosecutor's Office in Naples has initiated preliminary checks after multiple drivers reported facing threats, coercion, and slashed tires by masked individuals attempting to enforce the roadblocks. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio both highlighted the high probability of criminal instrumentalization behind the trucker and agricultural protests, particularly in Calabria where the Anti-Mafia Commission has launched targeted reviews.

While some distribution centers in southern urban areas have gradually reopened, allowing some fresh goods to return to stores, discontent remains high among independent operators. Several small business owners express deep dissatisfaction with government decree measures, leaving delivery routes unstable and keeping supply chains under intense pressure as law enforcement continues to escort compliant truckers to ensure safe operations.