Global fuel crisis: Italy's Salvini reacts to record prices as Iran war destabilizes markets

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Matteo Salvini summoned representatives of oil companies on Friday in response to the sharp rise in fuel prices hitting European markets. The meeting aims to develop solutions to mitigate the effects of rising oil prices, which directly translate into increased costs for transport and logistics. On Thursday, March 12, the price per liter of diesel in the Trentino-Alto Adige region reached 2.30 euros, sparking a wave of concern among consumers and businesses. The Italian government is currently analyzing mechanisms to control margins and potential fiscal interventions that could curb further price increases at gas stations. Fuel price increases in Italy often lead to government intervention at the ministerial level, similar to what happened during the 2022 energy crisis when temporary excise tax reductions were introduced. The current situation is exacerbated by instability in the Middle East and ongoing restrictions on raw material supplies from the East. The Trentino region, due to its geographical location, often records the highest fuel prices in the entire country.

The global energy crisis is forcing radical steps not only in Europe but also in South America, where Brazil has decided to completely zero out fuel taxes. This decision, announced on March 12, is intended to be a direct barrier protecting the economy from record-high oil prices on world markets. Simultaneously, the aviation sector has begun passing rising operational costs onto passengers, as confirmed by the Air France-KLM group, which introduced fare increases on long-haul routes. The carrier justified this decision by the need to add a higher fuel surcharge, which will directly impact the cost of intercontinental travel. Fuel crisis March 2026: March 12, morning — Record in Trentino; March 12, noon — Brazil's decision; March 12, evening — More expensive flights; March 13, 13:18 — Salvini's intervention

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his appeal to European countries to completely stop buying Russian oil, pointing to the necessity of cutting off the Kremlin's sources of funding for its war efforts. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that every barrel of raw material purchased from Russia realistically supports the military potential of the aggressor. On Friday, March 13, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is traveling to France to discuss further support for Kyiv at a time when the international community's attention is largely diverted by the ongoing war in Iran. Ukraine's diplomatic offensive aims to prevent the marginalization of the conflict in Eastern Europe in the face of new escalation in the Middle East. „Non acquistate petrolio russo” (Do not buy Russian oil) — Volodymyr Zelenskyy via ANSA Embargo on energy resources remains one of the most contentious points in relations within the European Union due to the varying degrees of dependence of individual economies on supplies from Russia.