SUPERMARKET SHELVES EMPTY AS FUEL RUNS OUT AT PETROL STATIONS

NAPLES, OCTOBER 20 /SRNA/ – Shelves in some Naples supermarkets are completely empty, while petrol stations have run out of fuel amid a days-long truckers' protest over high diesel prices.

Local media report that the loading and unloading of fresh food and other goods has been blocked at warehouses near Naples.

Shortages of fresh pasta, cheese, meat and other products have also been reported in Sicily, while shops in the regions of Calabria and Apulia are experiencing shortages as well.

Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini met with transport associations today in an effort to find a solution. He pledged tax cuts to help ease the impact of rising diesel prices.

Paolo Ugge, president of the Unatras transport association, said Salvini had promised that payments would begin tomorrow and that a draft law addressing operating costs would be presented.

Another meeting between the truckers and Salvini is scheduled for next week.

Truckers have joined protests sweeping Europe over the rising cost of living amid the conflict involving the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.