Yet another increase in fuel cost is putting the industry to the testroad haulage in Sardinia, with significant consequences for businesses, workers and the local economy. Currently, around 2,300 road haulage companies operate on the island, of which 1,500 are artisanal in nature. This sector supports over 4,000 employees and manages 80% of the goods that pass through the entire island.
The current price of diesel, which has reached 2 euros per litreand a 12% increase over the past two months are threatening the sustainability of trucking operations.
Ranked sixth in the EU27 for both petrol and diesel
According to a recent analysis conducted by the Research Office of ConfartigianatoItaly continues to present fuel prices among the highest in Europeranking at sixth place in the EU to 27 for both petrol and diesel.
Compared to the previous year, prices at the pump they increased by 14.4% for petrol and 2.7% for diesel. This means that the fuel cost represents a significant item in the total costs of companies, accounting for 30%.
Maria Amelia Lai and Daniele Serra, President and Secretary of Confartigianato Imprese Sardegna, underline that if the price of diesel continues to rise, companies could find themselves in a situation where their profits are eroded, putting at risk the economic stability of the entire road transport sector in Sardinia.
