Say No To Pasta: Italians On Strike

Italians may have to do without their most famous dish, at least for a week. 

The National Association of Public Service Users in Italy, a consumer rights group known as Assoutenti, called on buyers of pasta to boycott the food between June 22 and 30.

The average price of pasta in Italy rose 25% in March, to 2.13 euros per kilogram, according to an April survey by the group, which analyzed data from Italy’s Ministry of Business. The ministry’s calculations, however, estimated a smaller jump — a 17.5% price increase in March and a 16.5% jump in April. The province of Siena saw a whopping 58% increase in cost per kilogram. 

“Pasta is one of the most loved goods by Italians, with a consumption of about 23 kilograms per capita in a year, and it is evident that [such high prices] affect the pockets of consumers,” said Assoutenti president, Furio Truzzi.

The cost of pasta has steadily risen in Italy despite the falling price of wheat worldwide, according to press reports. Global wheat prices initially soared after Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022, but have generally fallen to levels seen before the invasion.

The Italian Ministry of Business said at an emergency meeting in May that it expects pasta prices to “fall significantly” in coming months.

The Ministry did not immediately respond to The Messenger’s request for comment.