Eni Caps Fuel Prices Across Italian Network as Government Diesel Tax Relief Drops

Eni sets price ceilings at service stations

Eni announced on 25 September a price ceiling for retail fuels sold across its network of roughly 4,000 Enilive stations in Italy. The cap limits diesel to €2.19 per litre and petrol to €1.99 per litre, representing a reduction of approximately 17 cents below prevailing market averages. The measure takes effect on 28 September for an initial 30-day duration, with an option to extend through the end of 2026 depending on market conditions and fuel supplies. Eni stated that international refining constraints, including the closure of nearly 30 European refineries over the past 15 years, combined with geopolitical instability and the Iran conflict, pushed fuel prices higher. The company noted it has absorbed a portion of international cost increases since March while maintaining refining operations at Venice, Gela, and Livorno.

Excise duty cuts step down

The price cap coincides with a scheduled reduction in state fuel subsidies enacted by the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. A decree from 16 September extended diesel excise duty and VAT relief to 5 October but halved the discount in phases. The tax reduction dropped from 17 cents per litre to 12.2 cents between 18 and 25 September, before lowering to 6.1 cents from 26 September to 5 October. Ministry of Enterprises data from 25 September showed average self-service pump prices at €2.154 per litre for petrol and €2.338 for diesel on standard road networks, reaching €2.247 for petrol and €2.421 for diesel on motorways. The Unione Nazionale Consumatori calculated that the duty step on 26 September pushes motorway diesel to €2.482 per litre, adding about €3 to the cost of a full tank according to Codacons.

Government and consumer responses

The Italian government welcomed Eni's voluntary initiative in an official statement released on 25 September.

It is a laudable gesture of consideration for Italy, moving in the desired direction of curbing the high fuel costs that are affecting Italian families due to the difficult international situation.

Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani argued that voluntary cooperation was superior to mandatory price regulation or windfall taxes. Consumer group Assoutenti praised the cap as immediate relief for drivers and suggested it could prompt rival distributors to lower prices to maintain market share. Assoutenti also called on the government to establish a statutory temporary price cap across the wider retail fuel market.

Haulier strike warnings and refiner summit

Rising operating expenses prompted protests and warnings of sector-wide work stoppages. On 25 September, farmers staged a tractor demonstration along the via Aurelia north of Rome. The transport association Assotir warned that hauliers could strike if ministers do not convene transport representatives to address diesel costs.

The decision will have to be taken in a united manner by the entire category.

To address downstream supply issues, Enterprise Minister Adolfo Urso and Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto scheduled an 8 October meeting at Palazzo Piacentini in Rome with domestic refiners to examine options for increasing refinery output.