Fuel shortage arises in southern Italy: hundreds of gas stations stop selling gasoline and diesel

In the southern regions of Italy, a large-scale shortage of automotive fuel has arisen. Hundreds of gas stations have stopped selling gasoline and diesel due to supply disruptions caused by protests by industrial and transport sector workers. The problems have affected Apulia, Calabria, and Basilicata, where motorists are queuing in long lines at operating stations.

This was reported by Rai News on October 15.

The most difficult situation has developed in Apulia. According to the industry association Fi.Ge.Ca., about 70% of the region's gas stations are without gasoline. Eni reported that more than 150 Enilive network stations out of about 300 in the region have no fuel.

In Calabria, many gas stations in Cosenza and surrounding settlements have almost completely exhausted their gasoline and diesel supplies. Similar problems have arisen in Catanzaro and Lamezia Terme. Drivers are trying to refuel at remaining operational stations, leading to queues and hindering traffic.

The shortage has also spread to Basilicata. In Potenza and other cities, some stations have ceased fuel dispensing, and queues have formed near operating gas stations. In Matera, municipal police had to regulate traffic near gas stations.

The main cause of the disruptions was the blocking of access roads to the Eni refinery in Taranto. Since October 12, workers of the former Ilva steel plant have been holding protests related to the uncertainty of the plant's future and job preservation.

The refinery in Taranto is one of the key fuel supply centers for southern Italy. In normal mode, about 260 tanker trucks pass through the facility daily. Due to the blockage of access roads, regular supplies to gas stations have been disrupted.

Eni clarified that the refinery itself continues to operate in normal mode. However, the company warned that prolonged logistics disruption could create additional problems with supplies of technical gases necessary for the operation of production units.

The disruptions have already affected not only motorists. In some supermarkets in southern regions, shelves have begun to empty, especially those with fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods. Retail businesses have faced delays in goods delivery.

Problems have also arisen at the airports of Bari and Brindisi. Due to limited availability of aviation fuel, airlines have to adjust aircraft refueling schedules and ensure sufficient fuel reserves for subsequent flights.

The situation is complicated by independent protests by freight carriers and farmers dissatisfied with the rising cost of diesel fuel. In Apulia, protesters are blocking certain transport hubs, and in Calabria and Sicily, additional protest events are being prepared.

The president of the Italian association of transport companies Conftrasporto, Pasquale Russo, reported that since the start of the war in the Middle East, diesel fuel has risen in price by more than 50 euro cents per liter. According to him, the increase in costs threatens the financial stability of transport enterprises.

Carriers also demand the transfer of funds that the government earmarked to compensate for the rising cost of diesel back in May, but which, according to industry representatives, have still not been received by companies.

Industry organizations have warned the authorities that if no additional support measures are taken, they may consider a nationwide halt of freight transportation.

The Italian government has scheduled negotiations with representatives of the transport sector for October 27. The meeting is to be attended by representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Enterprises, and the Prime Minister's Office.

So far, the timing of full restoration of fuel supplies to affected regions has not been determined. Business representatives warn that further restrictions on gas stations and freight transport could lead to the shutdown of individual enterprises and new disruptions in store supplies.

Based on materials from: Rai News, Rai News Puglia, ANSA.