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Italian truck drivers could go on strike over soaring diesel prices if the government fails to convene road haulage associations for talks, an industry representative said Friday, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
“If the government doesn't convene the road haulage associations to address the rising cost of diesel, we can't rule out a strike,” Claudio Donati, secretary-general of the Assotir road haulage association, said at a press conference in Rome.
Donati described a strike as “the ultimate weapon,” warning that even a one-day stoppage would mean “stopping the country.” He said any decision should be taken jointly by the entire sector, adding that Assotir wanted to avoid such action.
“We would like to avoid it at all costs,” Donati said, urging the government to “show a sense of responsibility.”
Hauliers warn of mounting pressure
Assotir national president Anna Vita Manigrasso said the economic situation had become so difficult that some truck drivers could stop working because they could no longer manage rising costs.
“There may not even be a chance to call a strike,” she said.
Consumer group Adusbef said strikes and protests were not an appropriate response to higher fuel prices. Its president, Antonio Tanza, said a general road-haulage strike would harm citizens and the country without reducing diesel prices or providing benefits to the community.
Tanza called for a steering committee bringing together all parties affected by high fuel prices to develop “realistic and immediately applicable measures” to limit the impact of rising costs.
Farmers protest rising fuel costs
Farmers began a three-day tractor rally near Rome on Wednesday to protest rising fuel prices. About 10 vehicles initially took part on Via Aurelia, ANSA reported.
Organizers said more farmers, including those from outside Rome, were expected to join the protest and called for government support.
“We expect a real response from politicians for the well-being and stability of the sector,” the organizers said.
Massimiliano Dona, president of Italy’s National Consumers Union, said diesel prices were expected to approach €2.40 ($2.73) per litre on regular roads and €2.50 ($2.85) per litre on highways after an increase in excise duties.
According to the union, prices would rise by about 6.1 cents per litre, including VAT, reaching €2.399 ($2.73) on regular roads and €2.482 ($2.83) on highways.
Dona said diesel would exceed €2.40 per litre in nine of Italy’s 20 regions, or 10 if the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano were counted separately.
