Truckers and farmers in Avellino protest high fuel costs, causing traffic delays

Truckers and farmers in the Avellino area have joined nationwide protests, staging a sit-in near the Avellino Est highway toll booth. The peaceful demonstration against high fuel prices has caused queues and slowdowns, though one lane remains open. Hundreds of trucks, tankers, and tractors have parked along the Variante 7 bis and near the A16 motorway entrance since yesterday. Protesters are demanding government action, with a key ministerial meeting on transport scheduled for this morning in Milan, attended by Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini. The strike has halted deliveries, impacting supermarkets and construction sites. Independent drivers, known as "padroncini," report unsustainable fuel costs, with a full tank rising from 1,700 to 2,400 euros since March, while client payments remain unchanged. They warn of empty supermarket shelves if the crisis continues.