Gate blocked at the port of Naples as truckers' protest spreads

(ANSA) - ROME, 19 OTT - The 'Bausan' gate at the port of Naples was blocked by truckers, causing disruption and jams on the A1 highway, as lorry driver protests over soaring fuel prices spread further on Monday. Protests involved truckers blocking roads or sealing off lanes to slow traffic started in many parts of the country, especially the south, last week, following strikes and sit-ins by farmers and fishers. They have already had an impact, with shortages of fresh produce affecting supermarket shelves and market stalls in places ranging from Catania in Sicily, Scalea in Calabria, Cerignola in Puglia, Mercogliano in Campania and Sora and Cassino and Fabrica di Roma in Lazio. Pasquale Russo, the head of the Conftrasporto truckers confederation, said last week that the nation's lorry drivers may be forced to bring the country to a standstill with a national strike to draw attention to their plight. "We are facing a double risk," consumer association Codacons said Monday. "On one hand, there could be shortages of essential goods in the coming hours — particularly food products, on supermarket shelves. "On the other, there is a danger that profiteering could occur along the supply chain, with parties exploiting the current emergency to implement unjustified retail price hikes. "This is a volatile situation, as any increase in retail prices would only compound already soaring inflation, further penalizing Italian families. "While we fully understand the protests by the haulers, we will not allow consumers to foot the bill for this situation. "For this reason, we urge the government to remain extremely vigilant against any abuses or profiteering that might arise at this time; we are also prepared to contact public prosecutor's offices across Italy to safeguard the interests of Italian families." The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has called a meeting with representatives of the road haulage sector for Tuesday, October 27, at 4:00 PM, at the Ministry's headquarters in Porta Pia. The Ministry stated that representatives from the Premier's Office, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Business and 'Made in Italy' will also be invited to attend. (ANSA).
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