Fuel Prices Hit New Records in Italy as Diesel Surpasses 2.20 Euros

Fuel prices in Italy have continued to rise, with the average self service price for gasoline reaching 2.100 euros per liter and diesel hitting 2.208 euros per liter on the national road network. On the motorway network, prices are higher, with gasoline averaging 2.192 euros and diesel reaching 2.285 euros per liter. According to Codacons, the motorway price for gasoline has surpassed the previous historical record of 2.184 euros set on March 14, 2022. The Unione Nazionale Consumatori reported that a 50 liter tank now costs between 70 and 85 cents more than it did just one day prior, depending on whether the fuel is purchased on national roads or motorways.

Consumer groups are calling for government intervention. Codacons and the Unione Nazionale Consumatori have urged the government to combat speculation, increase the powers of the Antitrust authority, and extend excise tax cuts to gasoline, arguing that the current 17 cent discount on diesel is insufficient to protect the purchasing power of citizens.

While both reports acknowledge the record highs, they differ in their broader framing of the situation. A center lean outlet focused on the immediate domestic crisis and the demands of consumer advocates for government action. In contrast, a center right lean outlet framed the increases within a European context, noting that Italy's diesel price increase of 26% since the start of the conflict in the Middle East is lower than the European Union average of 30%. This report highlighted that countries such as Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Finland have seen significantly higher price spikes.