Taxis and private hire drivers unite against high fuel prices – a new headache for Salvini

High fuel prices have brought taxi drivers and private hire drivers – who are usually at odds over competition rules – together in the same square. Around three hundred drivers gathered this morning outside the Ministry of Transport in Rome to call on the government for support against rising petrol and diesel prices. Following the truce with lorry drivers, farmers and fishermen, Matteo Salvini now faces a new protest.

The two groups complain that the price rises are eating into their earnings. “Fuel prices have risen by 40 per cent, but our fares are capped by local councils. We are calling for our costs to be reduced, so as not to penalise passengers,” Andrea Teruzzi, a Milanese taxi driver with itTaxi, told ANSA. Their requests concern an increase in the tax credit to offset part of the refuelling costs, and the extension to taxis and private hire vehicles of the diesel subsidies already provided for hauliers. They are also calling for one-off grants to cover expenses already incurred and incentives to purchase hybrid and electric vehicles.

The protest, organised by Uri, itTaxi and Unicoop with the support of MuoverSì’s private hire drivers, began shortly after ten o’clock at Porta Pia. The participants marched on foot, without blocking traffic or disrupting services. “We’ve come on foot because fuel is expensive, but if we’re not listened to, next time we might come by car,” they said from the square. “A strike is therefore not ruled out,” warned Walter Sacco, a representative of itTaxi, complaining that requests for a meeting had gone unanswered.

From the stage, Loreno Bittarelli, chairman of itTaxi, thanked the private hire drivers for their participation and criticised those who were absent. “I am surprised that no other taxi or private hire associations are here today,” he said, arguing that the disputes between the sectors have facilitated the entry into the market of other operators, ranging from golf buggies to hotel shuttle services. “We’re squabbling amongst ourselves whilst others are coming in to take a bite out of our pie.” Andrea Romano, president of MuoverSì, highlighted the novelty of the joint event. “The differences between us haven’t gone away, but something historic has happened here today. There has never been a joint mobilisation like this before.”

Not all taxi organisations have signed up. Uritaxi, which is distinct from the Uri Radio Taxi Union, has criticised the organisers’ stance on ride-hailing platforms and the sector’s regulations. It will, however, be attending tomorrow’s meeting in Florence, where other organisations will discuss upcoming initiatives. Also tomorrow, Salvini and Deputy Minister Edoardo Rixi will meet with hauliers to discuss the structural measures yet to be finalised following the 105 million allocated last week, including the retention of the tax credit in the medium term.