HGVs: the protest is putting pressure on supply chains in the South: goods are at a standstill and shelves are empty

Meanwhile, in Puglia, around a hundred lorry drivers have set off from Altamura with 35 lorries heading for Bari. The convoy, organised by the Acar consortium, is heading for the regional government headquarters, where the protesters are demanding to be received by Antonio Decaro. In addition to the cost of diesel, the companies’ grievances include difficulties in accessing liquidity and reduced profit margins. On the SP 231, near Corato, another protest by farmers and hauliers is blocking the passage of heavy goods vehicles.

The network of protest sites also extends into Calabria. At dawn, a new Fedralog protest site was set up on the SS 18 in Fuscaldo, on the Tyrrhenian coast of Cosenza. Dozens of lorries have blocked the southbound carriageway: according to ANSA, the protesters are slowing traffic for a few minutes before allowing vehicles to pass in both directions, ensuring that emergency services can get through immediately. In Scalea, pupils from the Metastasio secondary school remained outside the school in solidarity with the lorry drivers, joined by a number of teachers.

In Basilicata, lorries are stationed at the Potenza East and Potenza West junctions and in the Tito industrial estate, along the link road to Sicignano degli Alburni. Disruption – though no traffic blockages – is also being reported on the Jonica road in the Metapontino area. However, there are initial signs that the situation is returning to normal: following the difficulties of recent days, the situation at petrol stations has almost returned to normal.

In Sicily, however, a channel is opening up for perishable produce. The Sicilian Transporters’ Committee has announced its willingness to facilitate the resumption of fruit and vegetable shipments by road, via the Strait of Messina, in order to clear cold stores and safeguard produce that has already been harvested. The ‘Italia’ grape sector is particularly vulnerable at this crucial stage of the marketing season. Intermodal transport remains on hold.

The Committee’s coordinator, Salvatore Bella, clarified this morning that the strike affects services at ports and the vehicles of member companies left in car parks: the CTS states that it will not organise roadblocks and will allow companies wishing to travel to do so freely. The strike remains in place pending a meeting with Salvini, at which the hauliers are calling for the proposals they have put forward to be accepted. Meanwhile, the lorry drivers’ protest has also reached the Tremestieri motorway barrier at Messina Sud. Since last night, a number of lorries have been stationary on the motorway, leaving two toll booths – one for entry and one for exit – unblocked. At the San Gregorio toll booth too – the motorway junction near Catania that provides access to the A18 Catania–Messina motorway – lorries are stationary on both the entry and exit carriageways. The Sicilian Transporters’ Committee has stated that the lorries and trucks stationary on the motorway do not belong to hauliers who are members of the CTS.

Supply difficulties are also fuelling concerns amongst Sicilian bus companies. Anav Sicilia has highlighted the risk that diesel stocks may run low if deliveries do not resume, which could mean prioritising fuel for essential services for students and workers. At present, no general suspension of services has been announced. Tomorrow’s meeting will therefore have to address a dispute which, judging by the financial statements of road transport companies, is beginning to affect the continuity of supplies and services.