VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Supermarket shelves in Malta were left largely bare as protests over soaring fuel prices in southern Italy disrupted deliveries of fresh food.

Eurospin’s Mosta branch shoppers faced shortages of fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products, with several sections almost empty. Much of the usual variety of fresh produce was missing, with most remaining vegetables sold in prepacked form. The dairy aisle had only a handful of yoghurts left. Locally produced milk remained in stock, while refrigerators normally filled with packaged meat were empty. The shortages were attributed to missed deliveries caused by strikes in Italy over high fuel prices.

Lorry drivers, farmers and fishermen in southern Italy have been protesting against soaring diesel costs and what they describe as the government’s failure to address rising transport expenses. Roads and ports have been blocked in areas including Naples, Calabria and Sicily, disrupting the movement of goods and contributing to fresh food shortages in parts of southern Italy.

The protests have drawn support from livestock breeders and other agricultural workers struggling with rising operating costs.

Lidl Malta said its operations had not been affected by the disruption so far, adding that its supply chain remained fully operational and its shelves were well-stocked.

Wellbee’s supermarket said it had contacted its Italian transporter, which reported no delivery disruptions to date. However, the supermarket chain cautioned that it could not guarantee supplies would remain unaffected in the coming days or weeks.

Commenting on the shortages, MEP Peter Agius said the situation highlighted Malta’s vulnerability in food security and stressed the importance of supporting the country’s agricultural and livestock farming sectors.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews