Road transport sector faces rising costs and new regulations

The road transport and logistics sector is facing significant operational challenges due to rising costs and regulatory changes. In Italy, transport associations including Confartigianato Imprese and Unatras are calling for urgent government intervention to address the surge in diesel prices. Reports indicate that industrial diesel prices rose by 54.3% between February and September 2026, significantly impacting the margins of small businesses and individual operators.

During the recent States General of Road Transport in Rome, industry representatives proposed reforms to strengthen the Register of Road Transporters. Key proposals include improving the enforceability of diesel adjustment clauses in contracts, increasing fiscal regularity checks, and digitalizing transport documentation to enhance competitiveness and combat irregular practices.

In Romania, the transport landscape is also shifting with the implementation of the TollRo system. As of October 1, 2026, the Electronic Road Toll System (STRR) has been introduced. Commercial vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons will transition from a time-based vignette system to a distance-based tolling method that calculates fees based on kilometers traveled, vehicle weight, environmental class, and road type.