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Southern Italy has been experiencing food shortages because truck drivers have been blocking roads, motorways and ports in protest at soaring diesel prices. It is a transport and distribution crisis, rather than Italy actually running out of food.

The situation has been serious enough to disrupt pasta production, buffalo mozzarella dairies and supermarket deliveries.

But there is some good news: as of 24 October 2026, reports say the protests have ended and deliveries are beginning to resume.

What has gone wrong?

1. Diesel prices have surged

Hauliers say fuel has become prohibitively expensive. One Naples transport operator reported diesel rising from €1.60 a litre a year ago to €2.40 — a 50% increase. Higher fuel costs have made it increasingly difficult for transport businesses to operate profitably.

2. Deliveries have been blocked

Protests and roadblocks have prevented lorries from reaching distribution centres and shops. Fresh produce, milk and meat have been stranded in trucks and warehouses, with some perishable food spoiling before it can reach consumers.

3. Food factories have run short of ingredients

Pasta producer Rummo suspended production after running out of supplies. Other manufacturers in the southern regions of Campania and Puglia also reported major disruption. Mozzarella production was hit because fresh buffalo milk could not reliably reach dairies.

Why is this happening now?

The protests are linked to the wider economic pressure on Italy, including sharply rising fuel costs associated with the war in the Middle East. Truckers argue that government assistance has not adequately compensated them for the increase in operating costs.

The government responded on 22 October with additional support for hauliers, farmers and fishermen, while threatening tougher action against road blockades. The remaining protests were reported to have ended by Friday, 23 October.

The important distinction: food is available, but getting it to consumers has been interrupted. Even after blockades end, it takes time to restock supermarkets and restart factories.

For the latest reporting, see the Associated Press report on shortages in southern Italy⁠ or Reuters’ report on the protests ending⁠.