Italy approves diesel aid as truckers' strike drags on
The decree benefits truckers, farmers and fishermen; Sicily lifted its protest, but blockades continue in Campania, Apulia and Molise.
After more than a week of trucker blockades in the south over the price of diesel, Rome responded Thursday with a decree-law of aid for road haulage, agriculture and fishing. The Council of Ministers approved it.
The breakdown, in euros:
- Truckers: €105 million in diesel reimbursements.
- Agriculture: €60 million for fuel, up to 45 euro cents per liter.
- Fishing: €10 million, according to other coverage.
Sources do not fully agree on the breakdown.
Transport minister Matteo Salvini said the government is stepping in "to reduce the cost of diesel," including for small haulers across the country. Separately, tax credits worth €430 million for March to August have already been allocated; Deputy Minister Edoardo Rixi promised they will be available to the first companies next week.
The Sicilian consortium CTS, which brings together about 7000 transport companies, had demanded €534 million: €104 million in arrears and €430 million in tax credits. Truckers also complain that diesel has risen by 50 euro cents per liter, and about the cost of ferries.
The strikes began in early October in Apulia and Calabria and spread to Sicily, Basilicata, Molise and Campania. They left empty shelves in supermarkets and lines at gas stations. The retailers' association Confesercenti estimates that, as of Oct. 21, 40% of its members had trouble restocking.
Sicily, however, lifted its protest: after meeting at the Catania prefecture, the committee that called the blockade canceled it. Cuts continue in Campania, Apulia and Molise. At the Nocera-Pagani exit of the A30 highway, traffic has been closed in both directions since Oct. 20, and some 500 truckers have been escorted.
Because of the blockades, the Interior Ministry has identified 1339 people, reported 71 to prosecutors and imposed administrative penalties on 242, mostly in Campania. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio spoke of "a strong likelihood of instrumentalization and criminal infiltration."
The squeeze extends beyond Italy: since March, diesel and jet fuel have grown more expensive across Europe. The oil association Unem estimates the extra cost for Europe through September at €15 billion, and European Union experts say there is no physical shortage of fuel on the continent for now.
The government has called the sector to a meeting in Rome on Oct. 27; a Sicilian committee complained that it was not invited.
