Lucrezia Ciotti The truckers ' strike against fuel prices is showing the first signs of easing tensions: Sicily and Calabria are lifting blockades of trucks, following days of disruptions to the circulation and distribution of goods. Meanwhile, the government is meeting today at 12:00 PM in the Council of Ministers to consider new measures to support the sector and agriculture.
However, concerns remain about food supplies, business difficulties, and the controls initiated against illegal roadblocks. A meeting with Matteo Salvini, scheduled for October 27, is also eagerly awaited to identify concrete solutions to the category's demands.
Truckers' strike, government takes hard line: identification and complaints
While some organizations are suspending their protests , the government is stepping up its efforts to restore normal traffic.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni chaired a meeting at Palazzo Chigi dedicated to the emergency, which was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini, Ministers Francesco Lollobrigida and Matteo Piantedosi, and Undersecretaries Giovanbattista Fazzolari and Alfredo Mantovano.
The Ministry of the Interior has initiated checks to identify those who maintain illegal roadblocks and obstruct free movement.
According to data released by the Ministry of the Interior, 1.339 people were identified, 71 reported, and 242 administratively fined . Law enforcement also escorted numerous heavy vehicles, approximately 500 in Campania alone, to allow companies to continue transporting, loading, and unloading. Palazzo Chigi reiterated that " compliance with the rules, freedom of movement, and the protection of economic activities must remain essential priorities ," confirming its commitment to combating any illegal behavior. On the aid front, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Edoardo Rixi announced the start of the disbursement of funds for road haulers , anticipating a subsequent decree. The measures will be examined by the Council of Ministers, which is also called upon to address support for the agricultural sector.
Truckers' strike: Sicily and Calabria suspend blockades: Cabinet meeting today
After days of disruption and tension, the first signs of easing are appearing in the truckers' protests against high fuel prices. In Sicily, the Association of Sicilian Trucking Companies (Aias) decided to lift the blockades after a meeting at the Prefecture in Catania , while in Calabria, Fedralog also announced a halt to services. However, the government remains vigilant, aiming to restore the flow of goods and limit the consequences for citizens and businesses. Meanwhile, Palazzo Chigi is preparing new support measures for the sector, ahead of a meeting with Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini , scheduled for October 27.
The AIAS decision came after discussions with the Prefect of Catania. The agreement primarily concerns the opportunity for industry representatives to participate in national discussions on road haulage issues. " We decided to lift the truck ban because we received assurances from the Prefect that we too will participate in national discussions on road haulage issues ," explained the association's president, Giuseppe Richichi. The suspension affects the protests maintained at various points along the Messina-Catania highway, in front of the port of Palermo, and along other roads across the island, although the mobilization has not yet been completed for all the organizations involved.
In Calabria, Fedralog, the regional logistics federation that had called for the protest, has also decided to temporarily end its strike, following days of severe disruption to deliveries. The decision, according to a statement released by the organization, was " difficult but thoughtful ," driven by " a deep sense of responsibility toward the community, businesses, citizens, and the protection of national security ." The workers explained that they intend to place their trust in the government and the ministry, hoping that the next meeting will bring concrete answers to the industry's demands. The warning, however, remains clear: in the absence of adequate action, the truckers are ready to organize " a march to Rome with all means available ."