Fuel: Confesercenti says Italians’ holiday costs to rise by 1.8 billion
OK, the excise duty cut has been extended, but structural measures are needed
(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - This summer, filling up with petrol cost Italians up to 1.8 billion euros more than in July and August last year, affecting travel and tourist spending. This is the estimate from Confesercenti’s Economic Office, calculated on the basis of unchanged consumption using Mimit data, with the August figures now almost final: overall, in July and August 2026, motorists spent 21 per cent more on fuel than in the same months of 2025. In the summer of 2025, petrol stood at around 1.70 euros per litre and diesel at 1.63 euros. In August 2026, however, the average price is around 2 euros for petrol and above this threshold for diesel; this means that, for a 50-litre full tank, petrol car owners are spending around €14 more than a year ago, and diesel car owners over €20 more. Without government intervention, the cost to motorists would have been even higher. In July and August alone, the excise duty cut reduced spending on refuelling by around 300 million euros. For Confesercenti, therefore, the prospect of a further extension is undoubtedly welcome, even if the call is for structural measures.
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