Italy was crippled by a nationwide truckers' strike for the third day on Wednesday, according to Italian News Agency ANSA.
Most gas stations had run out of petrol and supermarket shelves were growing increasingly barer as truckers' representatives gathered to consider a government offer.
There were even fears that ambulances and other emergency services could find themselves without fuel.
On Tuesday the truckers ignored a formal call to return to work.
Italian Transport Ministry negotiators said Wednesday they hoped the truckers would accept their latest offer.
Truck drivers from small and medium-sized haulage firms began afive-day strike on Monday, causing havoc on many key traffic arteries as they staged roadblocks. Larger firms did not take partin the strike.
Trade Unions representing the striking workers met government representatives on Tuesday to begin discussing demands including lower taxation and discounts on diesel fuel, the price of which has recently soared.
But the talks broke down almost immediately. The Italian government tabled a new offer on Wednesday afternoon.
Farmers have warned that if the stoppage continues, Italians will not find much traditional Christmas fare in shops when they shop for the festivities.
Around 85 percent of the goods transported daily in Italy travel by road, carried by an army of haulage companies which own almost four million trucks and heavy goods vehicles.
As well as compensation for high fuel costs, Italian trade unions representing the haulage sector also want the government to bring in new rules on contracts and payment for transport services.
Source: Xinhua/agencies
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