Truck drivers' blockade cripples food supply and agriculture across Italy

Truck drivers' blockades are causing severe shortages in Italy, with Confesercenti saying four out of ten food retailers are out of stock and some regions seeing up to 80% of shops at risk of shutting down. The Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP consortium cannot source fresh milk, halting production, and municipalities are urging residents not to leave trash on the streets because collection services are disrupted. Fuel scarcity has grounded operations at seven airports in the south, including Crotone, Reggio Calabria, Bari, Brindisi, Catania, Napoli and Palermo.

Agricultural groups warn of significant losses as farmers are forced to destroy crops and cannot deliver feed to livestock, while flower producers face timing challenges around the upcoming commemorative day. Transport unions and employer groups have called on the government to restore free movement of goods, and police have identified and penalised hundreds of participants in the protests.