Fuel prices in Italy have reached record highs in some areas, prompting government discussions on potential excise duty cuts and criticism from opposition leaders.
Key facts
- •Petrol prices reached €2.6 per litre at a Milan city centre station on Saturday.
- •The Cgia di Mestre estimates that fuel costs alone will rise by €13.6 billion for Italian households and businesses in 2026.
- •Average self-service diesel prices on the motorway network are currently €2.255 per litre.
- •The government is awaiting Economy Ministry calculations on surplus VAT revenue to determine the feasibility of an excise duty cut.
- •Opposition leaders Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte have publicly demanded more aggressive government action to lower fuel prices.
Fuel prices in Italy have climbed, with some filling stations recording petrol costs as high as €2.6 per litre in Milan. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Minister for Business Adolfo Urso are currently evaluating measures to mitigate the impact of rising costs, including a potential variable excise duty mechanism.
By the numbers
Rising Costs and Consumer Impact
National data from the Fuel Price Observatory indicates that average self-service petrol prices on the national road network are €1.981 per litre, while diesel averages €2.184 per litre. On motorways, prices are higher, with averages reaching €2.071 for petrol and €2.255 for diesel. Local reports have identified prices exceeding €2.7 per litre for diesel on several major routes, including the A21 and A4 motorways. Consumer group Codacons estimates that total fuel spending for Italians will reach €10.8 billion, an increase of nearly €2 billion compared to 2025. Additionally, the Cgia di Mestre research office projects that households and businesses will face €29 billion in combined additional costs for electricity, gas, and fuel in 2026.
Government and Opposition Responses
Minister Adolfo Urso stated that the government is considering using surplus VAT revenue to offset excise duties, though calculations for this mechanism are not expected until next week. The minister defended current price control efforts, asserting that they have kept Italian fuel prices lower than those in other countries. Opposition leaders have criticized the government's response. Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein urged the adoption of a variable excise duty to provide immediate relief, while Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte called for more substantial interventions, including taxing windfall profits from energy and banking sectors.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Euronews Business.
