Following protests, Italian haulers are set to receive €105 million and relief on leasing costs. The government is deploying police to counter the blockades

Italy’s Council of Ministers approved the new measures for the road freight sector on 22 October 2026. The decision followed several days of protests and blockades, as well as talks between the government and industry organisations.

The package provides additional tax relief for transport companies.

A total of €45.2 million will fund a tax credit for diesel purchased between March and August 2026. The funding supplements support already provided through other schemes. A further €60 million will cover fuel expenses incurred between 1 September and 5 October 2026.

Together, the two measures provide €105.2 million in new support intended to help transport businesses absorb the impact of high diesel prices.

According to the authorities, some payments under the tax-relief schemes have already begun. Formal checks may also be carried out after the funds have been transferred, allowing companies to receive the support without unnecessary delays.

Lease deferrals could help small fleets

One of the package’s most immediate measures is the option to defer payments on truck leases. Transport companies will be able to postpone instalments due from November 2026 to March 2027, with the deferred sums to be repaid by 31 March 2027 at the latest.

The measure is intended to ease cash-flow pressures, particularly for smaller businesses. For these operators, monthly lease payments are a major expense alongside fuel, insurance, servicing and wages.

Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport says the new tools are primarily intended for the smallest operators and owners of small fleets. These businesses often have limited capacity to absorb sudden increases in operating costs.

The government has also announced work on measures that would make it easier to reflect changes in fuel prices in freight rates, particularly in some transport contracts.

Meloni: This is intimidation, not protest

The financial measures were accompanied by a tougher government stance towards people who continue to block roads despite agreements reached with industry organisations.

In a special address, Giorgia Meloni thanked transport groups that had agreed to suspend their protests. At the same time, she criticised groups that were preventing other hauliers from travelling.

In some areas, small groups are still blocking roads and threatening people who want to work. They have even slashed the tyres of trucks belonging to fellow drivers. That is not a protest; it is intimidation, and we will not accept it. The people paying the price are not government officials. They are ordinary drivers who need to bring home a wage, and companies unable to deliver their goods.

Meloni said the prime minister had also asked Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi to ensure that trucks could move freely and supplies could continue reaching their destinations.

The authorities are expected to take action against illegal road blockades and attempts to obstruct drivers who are not taking part in the protests.

Road conditions still require monitoring

Although the package has been approved and some organisations in Sicily and Calabria have suspended their protests, travelling through southern Italy may still involve delays.

Local haulier groups continued to protest in areas including Gela in Sicily and parts of the transport network in Campania.

The demonstrations therefore cannot yet be considered over.

The transport sector is also preparing for a nationwide general strike scheduled for 30 October. The action is expected to affect logistics, rail transport, aviation and parts of the motorway infrastructure.

Hauliers travelling to Italy should continue to monitor conditions on the A1 and A30 and allow extra time for possible local delays in the south of the country.

After several days of blockades, Italy’s road freight sector has been offered additional fuel-related funding, the option to defer some lease payments and further measures aimed at the smallest businesses. The next test will be how quickly the measures are implemented and whether they are sufficient to bring the protests to an end.