Naples, the protest of the tires: lines at the distributors, no gas. Caremar alert for the ferries

Italy's transport sector faces growing unrest as fuel prices soar, prompting truck drivers to threaten nationwide disruptions. The government has scheduled a meeting for October 27 at the Ministry of Transport to address concerns raised by the haulage industry. Spontaneous blockades have already emerged in southern regions such as Puglia, with more planned in Calabria starting tomorrow and in Sicily in the coming days. Fuel shortages are causing long queues at service stations in Basilicata and Calabria, where supplies are running low. Pasquale Russo, president of Conftrasporto, described the protests as spontaneous and not organized by trade associations, adding that this situation reflects the desperation of business owners. Similarly, Unatras, the National Union of Freight Transport Associations, stated that the widespread dissatisfaction among companies is no longer sustainable. Both organizations urged the government to hold an urgent meeting with transport associations, warning that failure to act could lead to a national shutdown. The protests stem from delayed disbursement of funds allocated last May to counter rising diesel prices, which have increased by over 50 cents per liter since the start of the war. Additionally, logistical issues, including a strike at the Taranto refinery, have exacerbated the fuel crisis in Puglia and Calabria. Metal-mechanical unions have committed to removing blockades following the government’s scheduled meeting. In Foggia, nearly all fuel stations are empty, while in Cosenza, the majority of service stations have run out of gasoline and diesel, creating chaos in urban mobility. The problem is spreading to other provinces and cities, such as Catanzaro, where most pumps have exhausted their reserves. The Democratic Party in Calabria called on the government to immediately address the fuel emergency, which has spread throughout the south. Meanwhile, Nicola Delle Donne, president of Confindustria Puglia, warned that many businesses risk halting operations due to fuel shortages, affecting transportation, infrastructure, and construction sectors. In Naples, the impact of the fuel shortage is becoming evident, with citizens struggling to find available fuel stations. Supermarkets have been left with empty shelves, and the situation worsens as fuel stations close one after another. Long lines form at remaining open stations, particularly along Via Fuori Grotta, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and Via Petrarca. The difficulty extends beyond Naples, affecting the entire province. Vincenzo Ponti of Caremar, which operates ferry services in the Gulf of Naples, expressed concern over fuel supply challenges, stating that the company has proposed an emergency plan to regional authorities and the prefecture without receiving responses. He warned that service disruptions would begin soon if the situation does not improve. Tensions flared during the morning protests in Naples, with some demonstrators attempting to block trucks not participating in the strike. Police intervened to manage the discussions. The affected area was near the final stretch of Via Marina leading to the motorway ramps, where a long queue of vehicles formed. Agents were stationed to monitor the area. The protest against high fuel costs intensifies, resulting in long queues and traffic congestion on highways and city roads. The Mediano axis, connecting Giugliano and Melito, is blocked, forcing drivers to move slowly. Truckers are holding night vigils at the Nola toll on the A30 Caserta-Salerno highway, with similar blockades at the Nola toll and the entrance to Avellino East. Traffic increases, and ongoing blockades could escalate further. Deliveries to supermarkets have been halted for several days, with continued demonstrations in Gricignano, Carinaro, and Palma Campania.