Ragusa, councilor Battaglia: "Uncontrolled increase in the price of agricultural diesel, companies in difficulty"

A sudden increase in agricultural diesel risks putting a sector already struggling completely on its knees. The alarm has been raised by Ragusa city councilor, Salvatore Battaglia, who has been close to the demands of the rural world for years.

According to reports from regional agricultural organizations, in just a few days the price has jumped from 0.80 to 1.219 euros per liter, with an increase of over 20 cents.

“A sudden increase in agricultural diesel risks completely breaking the legs of a sector that has long been living in a condition of extreme fragility,” says Battaglia, recalling how operators have been facing a surge in production costs — energy, fertilizers, labor, transportation — now worsened by the high fuel prices just as seasonal work begins.

“Farmers – emphasizes Battaglia – are facing increasingly high production costs: energy, fertilizers, labor, transportation. Now fuel, just as seasonal work resumes, is experiencing a spike that puts those who need to start activities in the fields in serious difficulty. This is a blow that comes at the worst possible time.”

The councilor stresses that this is not just a simple technical data, but a concrete burden on the sustainability of businesses. “Filling a 100-liter tank today costs 23-25 euros more than just a few days ago. And this applies to every vehicle, for every day of work. It is clear that we cannot go on like this.”

Battaglia voices the widespread discontent among workers: “Farmers are not asking for privileges, but for minimum conditions to be able to work. They are asking for solutions, not new problems. They are asking for immediate interventions to stabilize prices, check for any speculation, and support a sector that continues to be fundamental for the economy of our territory.”

Hence the appeal for a timely intervention from regional and national institutions: “We need an urgent technical table, we need compensation measures, and above all we need a clear strategy. We cannot leave farmers alone right now when they need stability and certainty.”

The councilor concludes with a reminder of the strategic value of the sector: “Defending agriculture means defending our territory, our economy, and our identity. We cannot allow a sudden increase in fuel to become yet another burden on the shoulders of those who, every day, provide food and work for our community.”