Italy Extends Diesel Excise Discount Until September 10

The Italian government has extended the 17 cent per liter discount on diesel excise taxes until September 10. The measure, signed by the ministers of Economy and Environment and Energy Security, was originally set to expire on September 5. This extension is funded through mobile excises, which use increased VAT revenue from rising fuel prices to temporarily lower the fixed tax per liter.

Government officials describe this extension as a bridge to allow time to define targeted aid for low income families and professional categories most affected by fuel costs. Minister Adolfo Urso noted that future decisions will consider an unpredictable international situation marked by conflict, while Vice Premier Antonio Tajani cited the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz as a primary cause of energy price tensions.

While the diesel discount remains, gasoline is excluded from the measure. This choice is intended to protect the transport of goods and prevent price hikes for consumer products. However, consumer associations such as Codacons have criticized the move, calling the extension an alms because it fails to protect the approximately 17 million drivers using gasoline vehicles. Recent data shows national average self service prices at 2.147 euros for diesel and 2.039 euros for gasoline as of September 3.