Italian trucker protests disrupt food deliveries and cause shortages

Italian truck drivers protesting fuel prices and living costs are causing food shortages in Italian shops, with deliveries disrupted and fresh produce rotting, retailers said Wednesday. The protests, which began in southern Italy last week, have spread nationwide, blocking motorways and disrupting operations at two regional airports in Calabria due to missing aviation fuel deliveries. Retail group ANCD-Conad reported perishable goods like fruit, vegetables, milk, and meat stranded on trucks and in warehouses. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's cabinet plans to meet Thursday to approve aid for truck drivers and farmers, with around €1 billion set aside this year. Deputy Infrastructure Minister Edoardo Rixi warned the government may enforce the law against hauliers if protests continue.