Italian truckers block southern roads and ports over fuel costs, risking empty shelves

Italian truckers have launched protests across southern Italy, blocking roads and ports to demand government action against rising fuel costs, raising fears of empty supermarket shelves. The action spans regions from Calabria to Sicily, with heavy vehicles parked along highways and at strategic transport hubs. The protest follows months of ignored requests, with truckers demanding immediate relief measures. Mario Pansini of Fedralog Calabria says fuel costs have risen about 600 euros per fill-up, adding 12,000 euros in six months per truck. Protesters threaten to drive to Rome if no response comes by October 20, while a government meeting scheduled for October 27 is seen as too distant. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini is reportedly working to arrange an earlier meeting in Milan. Pharmaceutical distributors say medicine supplies remain normal for now, but consumer groups warn that five days of near-total freight stoppage to and from Sicily could empty supermarket shelves, especially fresh produce. Opposition leaders Giuseppe Conte and Elly Schlein have voiced support for the truckers' cause.