Italy is preparing for two days of unrest following a strike by petrol station owners across the country in protest against a new policy adopted by the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The Italian news agency ANSAMED reported that the government's latest attempt to persuade unions to cancel the strike failed, but some groups organising the protest decided to shorten its duration, indicating some progress in negotiations with Italy's Minister of Economic Development Adolfo Urso.
The strike is a blow to the government, which has been on the defensive since fuel subsidies for cars ended in late December, sparking protests from consumers and trade unions.
The government responded by taking measures to counter price gouging by gas station owners, who decided to strike against what they called unfair characterisation.
