Pasta production in Italy is facing disruptions as lorry drivers stage protests over rising diesel prices, leading to blockades that have cut off key wheat supplies. The strikes, primarily concentrated in southern Italy, have prompted some pasta manufacturers to halt or reduce output, raising concerns about shortages in supermarkets.

Rummo and Garofalo, two prominent pasta producers, have temporarily stopped production due to difficulties in sourcing wheat. Another company, La Molisana, has reported slowing its operations, while De Cecco appears less affected since it processes its own wheat and maintains internal flour reserves. Luigi Cristiano Laurenza, representing pasta makers at Unione Italiana Food, warned that without a resolution, pasta shortages on store shelves are likely to grow.

The protests come amid a sharp increase in diesel prices—up roughly one-third—exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has driven up fuel costs. Giorgia Meloni’s government is actively engaging with the striking drivers to negotiate a solution.

The impact extends beyond pasta producers. In southern regions, supermarket shelves are visibly emptying due to interrupted deliveries. The wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Vittoria, Sicily, one of Europe’s largest, has temporarily closed. Additionally, production of high-quality mozzarella in Campania has been suspended. Pharmacies in the south have also raised concerns about potential medicine shortages amid the logistics disruptions.

In Naples, motorists faced long queues at gas stations following reports of fuel scarcity. Airports in Calabria, where fuel reserves have reportedly run low, instructed arriving planes to refuel before landing. Incidents of vandalism against drivers attempting to bypass the strikes, including slashed tires, have been reported.

Local officials have expressed alarm over the situation. The mayors of Naples and Bari issued a joint statement warning that cities could face paralysis if the disruptions continue.

There is also apprehension that consumer behavior could exacerbate the crisis, with fears that panic buying and stockpiling—similar to patterns observed during the COVID-19 pandemic—may further strain supplies. Authorities and industry representatives continue to monitor the situation while seeking to restore normal supply chains.