Italian truckers' fuel protest halts pasta production in southern Italy

Italian pasta production is at risk as truck drivers in southern Italy protest soaring fuel and cost-of-living prices by blocking roads, motorways, and ports, halting ingredient deliveries to factories. Pasta maker Rummo suspended production Tuesday after running out of ingredients, with CEO Cosimo Rummo saying most producers in Campania, Puglia, and Sicily have halted or nearly halted output. La Molisana also cut production, drawing on wheat and semola stocks, while milling lobby Italmopa warned of supply chain-wide effects. The government pledged over €150 million in aid for road haulers and is preparing a security crackdown after weekend riots in Milan. The protest has caused supermarket shortages and gas station closures, with Italy's pasta supply chain generating €13.5 billion in revenue last year.