Sicily Shipowners Warn of May 1 Messina Blockade Over Fuel Costs
"The professional maritime fishermen's association, in agreement with the Sicilian shipowners' federation, will hold a closed-door meeting this afternoon in the Syracuse area to decide how to protest the high fuel prices," said Fabio Micalizzi, president of the Sicilian Shipowners' Federation (FAS).
Micalizzi made clear the action is directed squarely at the country's leadership, stating the planned initiative aims to "make our voice heard by the Meloni government," arguing that no effective measures have been taken on fuel costs and excise duties.
The stakes, he warned, extend well beyond the protest itself. The fishing sector is demanding immediate government intervention to cap diesel prices, with Micalizzi cautioning that without decisive action, the industry faces job losses and the prospect of vessels being put up for sale or scrapped altogether.
Adding further pressure, he revealed that some federation members have floated the idea of reflagging their vessels under Maltese or Tunisian registries—countries where fishing boats benefit from significantly lower fuel costs—a move that would represent a direct economic blow to Italy.
Should the blockade proceed, it would draw vessels from both Sicilian and Calabrian fleets, according to the association, amplifying the potential disruption to one of the Mediterranean's most strategically vital waterways.
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