Italian fuel prices hit new peaks as motorway petrol reaches 2.192 euros per litre

Pump prices reach new peaks across Italy

Fuel prices across Italy rose on 12 September, with motorway petrol surpassing its previous peak from March 2022. Data from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Mimit) price observatory showed average self-service petrol on ordinary roads at 2.100 euros per litre, up from 2.086 euros on 11 September. Diesel on ordinary roads reached 2.208 euros per litre, rising from 2.193 euros the previous day. On motorways, self-service petrol rose from 2.176 euros to 2.192 euros per litre, exceeding the previous high of 2.184 euros set on 14 March 2022. Motorway diesel reached 2.285 euros per litre, compared with 2.268 euros on Friday.

Market pressures and consumer responses

The price increases follow rising international crude costs, with oil trading above 100 dollars per barrel. On 27 February, prior to military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, ordinary self-service petrol stood at 1.67 euros per litre and diesel at 1.72 euros. Consumer association Unione Nazionale Consumatori reported that the single-day price increase on ordinary roads added 70 cents to the cost of a 50-litre petrol fill-up and 75 cents for diesel. Consumer organisation Codacons warned that elevated transport costs will transfer into broader retail goods and services, urging the government to increase the diesel discount and reintroduce petrol reductions.

Pressure on commercial transport and extra-network fuel

Price pressures extend beyond retail forecourts into the extra-network fuel circuit serving road haulage, agriculture, and fisheries. Industry groups in these sectors have called for targeted government intervention as operating expenses mount. Without the current 17-cent excise duty discount, diesel would stand at 2.363 euros per litre. According to consumer group Adusbef, the 17-cent excise cut held Italian diesel price growth to 26% (an increase of 44 cents per litre) compared to pre-escalation levels, below the European Union average increase of 30% (55 cents per litre).

Fiscal limits and the shift toward targeted relief

Between 19 March and 10 September, the Italian government enacted eight decree-laws and seven ministerial decrees to lower excise duties and associated value-added tax on fuels. Total state spending on these reductions will reach 2.16 billion euros by 17 September. With available state funds largely allocated, ministers have noted that blanket excise discounts disproportionately benefit wealthier consumers who purchase larger volumes of fuel. The Council of Ministers extended the 17-cent diesel excise cut on 10 September until 17 September, while drafting a selective energy decree for vulnerable households and critical sectors.

Speaking on Friday about the planned legislation, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni outlined the government's approach.

We would like a measure that is more targeted towards consumers and users who have the greatest need. I am optimistic that by the beginning of next week, or in any case at the latest during next week, we will arrive with the measure.

The government plans to finalize the targeted measures before the diesel excise reduction expires on Thursday.