Transport Workers’ Strike Causes a Supply Crisis in Southern Italy / Stores and Gas Stations Run Out of Products and Fuel

A transport workers’ strike, launched nearly a week ago over high fuel prices, is causing a supply crisis in southern Italy. Shops are running out of essential goods, petrol stations no longer have petrol or diesel, and airports are facing dwindling kerosene reserves.

Milk, meat, eggs and bread are among the foods most frequently in short supply, although they are delivered daily in some areas. Locals say they are forced to go from one shop to another to find what they need and say they support the transport workers’ demands.

Protesters reject the measures announced by the government, including additional funds worth hundreds of millions of euros, and are calling for lower prices at the pump so they can continue operating.

The crisis has spread from the south to the north, as far as the province of Naples, where nearly all petrol stations are reportedly out of fuel. Kerosene reserves are also declining at airports in the south, and pilots have been warned to consider refueling stops before landing.

Authorities imposed restrictive measures after public roads were blocked. According to information presented in the report, more than 1,300 drivers were reportedly detained. Violent protests also took place in Spain, where hundreds of demonstrators clashed with police.