Dear fuels, the protest of trucks in Sicily: trucks stopped for five days and stopped unloading goods from ships

Starting October 16 and continuing through October 20, heavy trucks have remained stationary in their respective yards in Sicily, and ships carrying fresh produce for supermarkets have stopped unloading goods. This shutdown, organized by the Sicilian Transport Committee, is a response to rising fuel costs. Salvatore Bella, a representative of the committee, explained that the action aims to halt a chain reaction caused by increased fuel prices, which ultimately affects consumers through higher grocery bills and the cost of raw materials transported. According to Confindustria Catania, the sector has reached an unsustainable economic condition. Fuel prices for transport vehicles have risen by 0.35 euros per liter compared to February, reaching over 2.16 euros per liter last month. For a vehicle traveling 100,000 kilometers annually, this increase translates into additional fuel expenses exceeding 8,000 euros over eight months. On October 20, a meeting took place in Milan's Prefecture between representatives of the transport sector and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, convened by Minister Matteo Salvini. Vice Minister Edoardo Rixi stated that approximately one billion euros had been unlocked, with 480 million allocated for claims received up to August, and new resources added for September and October. However, the tax credit will be available in 2027. Rixi emphasized that the government was beginning to disburse funds on the 430 million, which had grown to around 480 million, to clear all claims submitted by August 30, the last deadline for applications. He urged an immediate end to roadblocks, warning that continued blockades risked food supplies and hospital operations. While acknowledging the sector’s concerns, he stressed the need for responsibility, noting that blocking roads, ports, and highways was not just a challenge for the government but for the country itself. The primary goal of the government remains protecting essential supply chains. Salvini mentioned that the minister had already decided to meet with transporters from the south to prevent disruptions in logistics and ensure supermarket and hospital supplies remain unaffected. Rixi noted that some roadblocks had already been lifted, while others were being addressed today. He highlighted the importance of restoring normal traffic conditions to allow Italians to access food and continue working, emphasizing that strikes should not create excessive hardship for citizens or those wishing to work. Meanwhile, in Cosenza, students joined transport workers and agricultural laborers in protests against education cuts and high textbook costs. Representatives from schools such as Brutium, Valentini, and Da Vinci, along with many independent students, participated in the demonstration. The alliance aimed to highlight living costs issues before institutions. Some tense moments occurred during the march, though the overall focus remained on collective demands. In Campania, ongoing protests have led to empty supermarket shelves, particularly in areas dependent on large distribution centers located in industrial zones of Caserta. These centers have halted operations due to the strike, although small markets and local shops partially compensate by sourcing directly from local producers. On the A1 Milano-Napoli highway, Autostrade reported queues at the Naples North toll booth in both directions and two kilometers of traffic congestion between Naples North and Caserta North towards Rome. On the A30 Caserta-Salerno highway, the exit at Nocera Pagani is closed in both directions. Queues exist at the Nola exit for those coming from Salerno and at entrances in both directions. Drivers from Canosa are advised to exit at Tufino and follow signs to Nola, while those from Salerno are directed to take the A16 and exit at Tufino before proceeding to Nola. In Milan, discussions between Salvini and transport representatives continue. Salvini emphasized the immediate release of already allocated funds for the transport sector, followed by additional measures. He stated that the 430 million already budgeted would be available immediately, despite bureaucratic hurdles, as businesses could not wait. Additional resources would follow, including potential availability for the so-called Marebonus, linked to European legislation. Salvini spent much of the previous day speaking with individual transporters, indicating efforts to resolve the dispute affecting merchandise distribution, especially in southern regions where supermarket shelves are increasingly empty. Initial steps showed willingness from transport groups to lift roadblocks on certain sections of the A1 to allow restocking of stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets, described by the minister as a gesture of goodwill.