Truckers threaten to shut down Italy with national strike amid fuel-price squeeze

(ANSA) - ROME, 15 OTT - The Conftrasporto truckers confederation said Thursday that the nation's lorry drivers may be forced to bring the country to a standstill to draw attention to their plight amid the squeeze caused by soaring fuel prices. "We are asking the government to urgently convene a meeting with the industry associations; otherwise, we will consider a nationwide strike," said Conftrasporto President Pasquale Russo. "The situation is very concerning because the excessive price hikes affecting the trucking industry have created a highly tense situation among transport companies, which has led to spontaneous protests in some areas of the country. "These protests are spreading as we speak, as we've received reports that hauliers in some regions, especially in southern Italy, are getting organized to set up roadblocks". Indeed protests by truckers have led to a fuel crisis in the Cosenza area, where most gas stations have completely run out of petrol and diesel, and there are reports of long queues and traffic jams. (ANSA).
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