Italian motorists are facing a spike in fuel prices, but the government, which currently imposes very high excise duties and value-added tax, continues to point the finger at speculative sellers.
The price of petrol, diesel and LPG – now €2.50 per liter on the motorway – is the sum of the net fuel cost, a fixed excise duty, and a 22% value-added tax. From January, excise duties will amount to approximately 55% of the final price including VAT on petrol and diesel.
Fuel prices have risen since January, as the center-right government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni did not renew the tariff discount introduced by Mario Draghi’s previous government in March last year.
At the time, Draghi introduced a fuel excise discount to bring down the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG and auto methane. With the removal of the discount, which cost the state millions of euros, prices automatically rose.
It also appears that speculation from retailers has driven up prices.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini spoke openly about speculation on gasoline prices, saying: “We will talk to the prime minister” about tariffs. “There are those who think they are smart,” he added of retailers.
Meanwhile, Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy Adolfo Orso called for continuous monitoring of prices and announced that he would meet with consumer associations next week.
Energy and Environment Security Minister Gilberto Piccito Frattin spoke of “speculation” about prices exceeding 2 euros per liter and announced government intervention to limit prices.
Sources in the Ministry of Economy confirmed to ANSA that as early as last December, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti instructed financial authorities to monitor the situation to prevent speculation in fuel prices on roads and highways. The results of the tests are scheduled to be announced next week to ascertain the reasons for the rise in prices and who is responsible.
Vegesc, one of the unions representing petrol stations in Italy, described the accusations of inflating fuel prices as “fake news”, claiming that the price increase corresponds exactly with the increase in customs duties and value-added tax.
According to Forio Trozzi, president of the consumer rights association Astuenti, fuel prices in Italy are among the highest in Europe due to “unnatural taxes” that hurt Italian motorists.
Trotzi added: “We wonder whether Prime Minister Meloni is aware of these numbers and whether she intends to intervene to avoid a new economic emergency that will inevitably have heavy direct and indirect impacts on families and businesses.”
(Federica Pascal | EURACTIV.it)
