Fuel prices in Italy have risen sharply in recent days following the escalation of the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has begun to affect the global energy market.
According to the consumer protection association CodaconsSome gas stations are already registering prices exceeding €2,50 per liter for diesel and more than €2,30 per liter for gasoline.
Before the start of the war, prices were significantly lower. In Rome, diesel cost €1,71 per liter, while gasoline was sold at €1,56 per liter.
Based on these figures, diesel saw an increase of approximately 46%, while gasoline rose by approximately 47%.
The price hike is already directly impacting Italian drivers and raising concerns about further increases in the coming weeks.
Consumers anticipate restocking.
Faced with the possibility of further price increases, some consumers have begun to fill up their vehicles in advance.
Concern is growing with the approach of the Easter holiday, traditionally one of the busiest periods on Italian roads.
Last year, more than 11 million people traveled within Italy during the Easter weekend.
Government discusses economic impact.
The Italian government has begun meetings to assess the effects of the international crisis on energy and food prices.
Ministerial meetings are planned to discuss the impact on energy markets. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also met with representatives from the companies Eni and Snam to assess the economic and energy consequences of the conflict and possible mitigation measures.
Organizations are calling for tax cuts.
Consumer advocacy groups are calling for stronger government measures to curb prices.
Codacons requested that the increased VAT revenue generated by the rise in oil prices be used to reduce taxes on fuels.
The association Assoutenti has announced that it will file a complaint with the Italian antitrust authority. The organization claims that the country's fuel reserves were acquired months ago, when prices were lower, which calls into question the justification for immediate price increases at the pumps.
Impact on transport and logistics
The rise in fuel prices is also a concern for the transportation sector.
According to industry organizations, approximately 80 percent of goods in Italy are transported by road, which can lead to increased costs throughout the production chain.
The Conftrasporto association has requested measures from the government to protect the logistics sector. Among the proposals is the suspension of the European carbon emissions trading system.
"If no action is taken now, the cost of the war will be fully passed on to the production chain and to the citizens," stated the president of Conftrasporto, Pasquale Russo.
