Italy Fuel Prices: Gasoline Drops on Roads, Rises on Highways

Fuel prices in Italy present a mixed picture, with a slight decrease for gasoline and diesel on national roads contrasting with a rise on highways. The Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy reported that self-service gasoline prices along the national road network averaged 2.016 euros per liter, down from 2.017 euros, and diesel at 2.134 euros, down from 2.137 euros.

“

We fuel station operators are ultimately like our customers because the cost of filling up increases for both of us. For us, it's the tanks; for them, it's their vehicles. People need to understand this.

However, on the highway network, self-service gasoline prices increased to an average of 2.096 euros per liter from 2.092 euros, with diesel also seeing a slight rise to 2.210 euros from 2.208 euros.

Fuel station operators are sounding the alarm, describing the situation as "very worrying." Giulio Guglielmi, president of the Umbria Confcommercio Fuel Station Operators Federation, stated that price increases are "devastating" for their sector, which is "certainly not getting rich." He highlighted a significant drop in sales, explaining that operators earn per liter sold, not as a percentage of revenue. This has led to reduced profits over the past year, despite rising fixed costs for operations, maintenance, and even commuting to work.

“

There is a significant drop in sales.

Guglielmi also noted a shift in consumer behavior, with people using cars less and carpooling more to save money. He expressed hope for a swift end to this difficult period, mentioning that customers are experiencing fear and uncertainty.

“

The operator earns per liter sold and not on a percentage of the revenue, and revenues have decreased in the last year, more in some places and less in others. We are losing profit.

Meanwhile, consumer association Codacons criticized the government's announced strategy of new measures after September 5. They argue that proposed aid, such as bonuses or social cards based on income or profession, risks transforming a widespread issue affecting all motorists into a form of social assistance, without effectively lowering prices at the pump.

“

We have to invest more capital each time to fill the tanks, but then earn less. And we spend more on maintenance and on keeping our businesses and operating systems up-to-date. We also must not forget that we ourselves travel to work by car.