Marcianise:Rome Truckers' protests over increasing diesel prices have caused significant disruptions in freight operations across southern Italy. These protests have resulted in the slowing of fresh produce deliveries to Rome, as reported by Italian public broadcaster Rai News.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the protests have brought operations to a halt at the Interporto Sud Europa freight terminal located between Marcianise and Maddaloni in the province of Caserta. A substantial line of trucks has blocked access to this key logistics hub.
The Rome Agri-Food Center Observatory has noted that deliveries of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and grapes from southern Italy to Rome, have been delayed. This has led to an increase in wholesale prices due to reduced supplies. The observatory also highlighted a growing reliance on imports to meet the demand caused by these shortages.
Deputy Transport Minister Edoardo Rixi announced that the government has started disbursing £480 million ($538 million) in contributions to the road haulage sector. This funding covers applications submitted by August 30, and additional financing is planned for the months of September and October. Rixi also mentioned that a tax credit would be available in 2027. Following a meeting in Milan with Transport Minister Matteo Salvini and transport associations, Rixi stated that over £1 billion ($1.12 billion) has been released. The government has also allocated more than £150 million ($168 million) to support road haulage companies through tax credits and EU emissions trading system measures.
Rixi acknowledged the legitimacy of the demands but emphasized that the roadblocks cannot continue indefinitely, urging an end to the protests. Truck drivers and farmers have been staging protests throughout southern Italy, including regions such as Puglia, Sicily, Molise, and Calabria, calling for government intervention regarding the soaring fuel costs.
The Sicilian Transport Committee has restricted its protests to the island's ports and the movement of semi-trailers from ships. The committee has stated that the protest will conclude once Transport Minister Salvini formally signs the commitments necessary to release the funds.