Italian highway fuel prices hit record highs, consumer group slams government response

Fuel prices in Italy are soaring, with diesel on the highway network hitting historic highs and gasoline prices also climbing significantly, according to consumer association Codacons.

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With an average of 2.204 euros per liter on the highway, diesel surpasses the record reached in the week of March 14, 2022, when a liter of diesel cost an average of 2.154 euros per liter.

Codacons reported that the average price for diesel on Italian highways has surpassed the previous record set in March 2022. Data indicates highway diesel prices have reached an average of 2.204 euros per liter, exceeding the 2.154 euros per liter average from that earlier period. Gasoline prices have also been high, crossing the 2-euro per liter threshold on eight occasions since 2022.

The situation is expected to worsen, with Codacons warning that diesel prices on ordinary roads could exceed 2.3 euros per liter starting August 27, and highway prices could rise to an average of 2.37 euros per liter, based on current trends.

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The mini extension of the excise duty discount decided yesterday by the government will not solve the problem of fuel prices at all and sounds like a mockery of Italians.

Codacons strongly criticized the government's recent decision to extend the fuel excise tax cut, deeming it inadequate. The association argues that the cut should not only be extended but also applied to gasoline, given the record prices. They also called for an increase in the diesel discount, stating that the current 17 cents per liter reduction is insufficient to offset the rising costs for consumers.

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the excise cut must not only be extended but must also be extended to gasoline considering the new record prices reached at the pump, while the discount on diesel must be increased because it is evident that the current 17 cents are no longer enough to cover the cost of refueling.

Further exacerbating the situation, a service station on the Cisa highway was reported to be selling gasoline at 2.499 euros per liter and diesel at 2.629 euros, with premium versions nearing 2.90 euros. Online comparison site Facile.it estimates that Italians will spend over 1 billion euros more on fuel in August compared to last year, even with potential tax cut renewals.

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At August, we will spend 1 billion more on fuel compared to 2025