Italy's trucker protest reaches Malta's Eurospin supermarket

Rows of shelves at popular supermarket Eurospin have been left empty as stock has failed to arrive on time to Malta following protests in Italy.

Photos of the store show long, nearly empty shelves, a chilled display with only a few bags left, and a chiller with nearly empty shelves.

Whilst other sections look better stocked, several chest freezers and butcher counter trays also stand empty.

Although it has not been confirmed, this is likely due to trucker protests in Italy over rising diesel prices. When contacted by MaltaToday, a Eurospin spokesperson said the company would not be issuing a statement.

Major supermarket chains, like Lidl and Eurospin, frequently import fresh items, vegetables, meat, and pantry goods from Sicily.

Although it has not been confirmed, this is likely due to trucker protests in Italy over rising diesel prices (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)

The protests have spread across southern Italy since the weekend. Protesters say rising fuel costs are squeezing haulage firms and self-employed drivers, and that the government failed to ease the burden.

Truckers have blocked access to Naples' commercial port, while roadblocks and demonstrations have affected Calabria, Basilicata, Puglia and Sicily, whilst fresh produce has been hit hardest by the slowdown. 

(Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)

Italian reports describe shortages of yoghurt, dairy products, meat, fruit and vegetables in parts of Sicily, Campania and Calabria. Confcommercio Sicilia estimates that five days of stoppage have cost retailers and the fresh-food chain €40-50 million on the island alone.

The Sicilian Trucking Committee, behind a five-day stoppage, says it is not blocking roads, but only refusing to move trailers off ships. They say their action will end once transport minister Matteo Salvini formally signs his commitments.

Major supermarket chains, like Lidl and Eurospin, frequently import fresh items, vegetables, meat, and pantry goods from Sicily (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)

Salvini, also deputy prime minister, said the €430 million already in the sector's budget would start being paid out this week. He promised additional funds and cash for the Marebonus shipping incentive.

The trucker group Trasportounito wants a 15% rise in haulage rates. Farmers have joined the haulage workers, and Molise fishermen plan to keep their boats in port on Thursday 22 October.