TRIESTE – The UNATRAS coordination body has announced a nationwide stoppage of freight transport services.

The UNATRAS executive committee, which brings together the main road haulage associations, decided in Rome to call a nationwide stoppage of services, entrusting its presidency office with defining dates and procedures in compliance with sector rules. The decision comes after weeks of tension and marks an escalation in the confrontation with the Government.

At the root of the protest is the increase in diesel costs, steadily above two euros per litre, which according to the associations has made operations unsustainable for thousands of companies. The sector, which counts around 100,000 companies and 500,000 workers, says it is no longer possible to continue operating at a loss and points to a liquidity crisis worsened by long invoice payment times.

UNATRAS openly criticises the measures adopted so far by the Executive, considering them insufficient. In particular, the linear cut in excise duties is seen as penalising professional road haulage, because it would have reduced the specific tax benefits for the category without significantly affecting the final fuel price. The coordination body also underlines the lack of direct talks with the Government, despite repeated requests. A situation described as “inconceivable” by the organisations, which claim they have maintained a responsible attitude until now.

The requests put forward include implementation of the tax credit already provided for, compensation of 200 euros for every 1,000 litres of diesel, suspension of tax and social security payments, and a temporary European aid framework. The objective is to recover at least part of the costs and ensure operational continuity for businesses.

UNATRAS secretary general Sergio Lo Monte spoke of an “extreme” situation, explaining that in many cases it is better to keep vehicles stopped than to travel at a loss. He also stressed that the increase in transport costs has only a marginal impact on final prices, while denouncing possible distortions along the supply chain.
UNATRAS finally called on spontaneous protests to flow into coordinated initiatives compliant with the law, while the risk remains of a blockade with direct effects on logistics, industry and distribution.