Truck drivers in Italy have been blocking motorways and ports for more than a week in protest against sharply higher diesel prices, high tolls and delays in promised public aid. The protests began in Apulia and have spread nationwide, affecting the port of Naples, the port area of Gioia Tauro and a major fruit and vegetable auction in Fondi. A pasta factory in Benevento halted production after running out of grain, while other manufacturers also closed.

The Transport Ministry has announced measures and the government is releasing one billion euros to support drivers, including funding for ferry operators serving the Italian islands. Excise duties have not been reduced, and the blockades are continuing. Farmers and transport companies have joined the protests, calling for immediate tax relief on agricultural diesel. The demonstrations have been linked to broader dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living, including unrest in northern Italy the previous weekend that led to hundreds of arrests.