Susanna Riva From October 15th to 20th, Fedralog Calabria launched an unprecedented mobilization : approximately 800 truckers positioned their trucks along the most important stretches of the regional road network. The stated goal was to ease the burden of fuel costs on transport companies, which have been hit by an increase in diesel prices, which they claim has tripled in recent months.
The protest was organized in the form of police-controlled pickets , avoiding total roadblocks but narrowing the lane, resulting in delays for motorists and truck drivers.
Truck blockade: dates, reasons, and organizers
The blockade of trucks is expected to last until Tuesday, October 20, with the stoppage starting at midnight on October 15.
Organizers emphasized that fuel, insurance, maintenance, and personnel costs have risen unsustainably, jeopardizing the economic viability of numerous small and medium-sized logistics companies. Among the spokespeople, Fedralog President Matteo Talarico, stood out , reiterating the need for prompt intervention by the state and regional institutions.
Strategic outposts in the region
Twenty-two checkpoints are being set up throughout Calabria. The most sensitive points include Lamezia Terme Airport , the port of Gioia Tauro, the roundabout at Scalo di San Marco Argentano , and the fuel depot area in Vibo Marina . On the current A2 motorway, the Pizzo Sant'Onofrio and Falerna exits are also under surveillance. In the Cosenza area, State Road 18 has two main checkpoints: near Santa Maria del Cedro and Paola , with additional checkpoints in Tortora and Guardia Piemontese . The presence of trucks is constant but coordinated, with temporary openings to allow the transit of private vehicles.
Agri-food context and shortage of supplies
The truck protests overlap with those of farmers, who have been occupying roads, highway junctions, and major regional traffic hubs for over two weeks. Tractors have already blocked the Castrovillari , Spezzano Albanese , and San Marco Argentano areas , causing disruptions in the supply of agricultural products. Complicating the situation, the blockade of the Eni refinery in Taranto , due to protests by former Ilva workers, has interrupted tanker truck deliveries to Calabria, leaving many service stations, particularly those in the Eni network, without fuel.
15 million euro intervention by the Municipal Council
The Regional Council, acting on a proposal from President Roberto Occhiuto and Councilors Gianluca Gallo, Giovanni Calabrese , and Marcello Minenna, approved a special €15 million measure. Of this amount, €5 million is earmarked for agricultural businesses, while €10 million is reserved for road freight transport companies . The funds will be disbursed based on actual fuel costs, subject to documentation. The initiative is intended to mitigate the economic impact of the protests, but it remains uncertain whether it will be sufficient to appease the protesters' demands.
Reactions and perspectives
Law enforcement has established a widespread presence, especially at highway junctions such as Falerna , where truckers arrived as early as the evening of October 15th. Meanwhile, Unatras has appealed to the national government, requesting an urgent meeting to avoid a "total paralysis" of the sector nationwide. Truckers themselves, supported by the Territory and Agriculture movement , have launched an appeal on social media with slogans such as "Farmers, truckers, and citizens united for a strong signal to all of Italy." The final outcome of the mobilization will depend on the Region's ability to rapidly implement aid and any negotiations between the parties involved.