Following Tuesday's meeting in Milan between Transport Minister Matteo Salvini and haulage associations, the fuel crisis in southern Italy has only been partly defused. Deputy Transport Minister Edoardo Rixi has released 480 million euros for the sector, with a further 150 million euros announced. The Sicilian committee has suspendedits strike. In Calabria, Campania, Puglia and Molise, blockades continue, in some cases until the next government meeting on 27 October.
480 million pledged, next meeting 27 October
Following yesterday's meeting at the Milan prefecture, Rixi statedthat the 480 million euros already set aside would be paid out immediately for applications submitted up to 30 August. In addition, over 150 million euros in supplementary funds are to be included in a new decree. Salvini announced that existing funds would be disbursed first, with further resources to be approved thereafter. A model based on the Spanish example, under which transport prices would be linked to diesel prices, is also being considered.
According to Rixi, the full diesel tax credit is not set to take effect until 2027. The duration and level of tax relief, additional funds for maritime transport incentives, and ferry tariffs on the Straits of Messina remain unresolved. A standing southern committee is to deliberate on these points; the next meeting between associations and government has been scheduled for 27 October.
Sicily stands down, Calabria continues until 27 October
The Comitato Trasportatori Siciliani lifted its strike following the meeting. According to the committee, almost all demands had been accepted, including the release of outstanding maritime incentive payments for 2023/2024 and 2025/2026, as well as an additional 50 million euros for 2026/2027. Sicilian operators remain on alert, the committee stated, until all outstanding matters have been resolved.
In Calabria, by contrast, the blockades are continuing. Mario Pansini of the logistics association Fedralog announced that the protest would be maintained until 27 October. The roads being blocked include the SS 18 along the Tyrrhenian coast near Cosenza, the SS 534 between Firmo and Sibari, the SS 106 near Cassano Ionio, and a checkpoint in Castrovillari. In Campania, lorries are stationary on the A2 in the Vallo di Diano and near Salerno, while the motorway junction between the A1 and A30 near Caserta-Salerno is closed. In Puglia, a convoy of lorries and tractors passed through Bitonto in the morning; in Molise, drivers moved their blockade from Roccaravindola to the SS 85 near Venafro.
Supermarkets under pressure, ferries to Ischia and Procida at risk
Supplies remain under strain. In Messina , local operators report that almost all supermarkets in the city centre are experiencing shortages; household rubbish is currently not being collected in around fifteen municipalities along the Ionian coast. In Cosenza, fruit, vegetables and fresh milk are in short supply; in Isernia, meat and fresh vegetables are scarce. In the Gulf of Naples, long queues are forming at petrol stations on Ischia , while on Procida the shelves are largely empty.
The shipping company Caremar has warned that ferry services to Ischia and Procida could come to a standstill from Thursday if no fuel is forthcoming. The average price of diesel in Italy remains at around 2.30 euros per litre. For travellers in the south, the transport sector remains this week the primary problem area, with 27 October as the next critical date.
