Politics · Italy · 7 hrs ago

Italy plans support decree as fuel protests disrupt transport and farming

Italy plans support decree as fuel protests disrupt transport and farming

In Italy, truck and farm protests over high fuel costs are disrupting transport, with roadblocks and reports of empty supermarket shelves.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called a meeting of ministers to discuss the situation and public order.

The government says some roadblocks are illegal and are stopping southern farms from exporting perishable goods.

It suspects criminal groups may have infiltrated some protests, but the source does not say this has been established.

Police have escorted 500 truck drivers, and the government says drivers can request an escort to keep working safely.

A cabinet meeting is scheduled for noon the next day to approve a decree supporting transport and agriculture, including measures to limit diesel costs.

The government says it also wants to keep essential goods and medicines moving.

2 sources

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What people are saying

Francesco LollobrigidaAgriculture minister
illegal blockades that are bringing agricultural South to its knees, which cannot export perishable goods
via ANSA
We have worked to ensure the possibility of curbing the cost of diesel, which has risen very significantly.
via ANSA
Italian governmentGovernment statement
The continuation of some protests, despite the dialogue that has begun and the agreement reached with trade associations, highlights a more complex situation.
via ANSA