War in Iran, 64% of Italians consider changing energy supplier

The economic impact of the conflict in Iran is spreading among consumers: for 64 out of a hundred Italians this is the right time to evaluate energy contracts more carefully and reduce future risks with concerns about inflation returning to its highest level since December 2023. Only 20 per cent of consumers consider this a good time to make major purchases. On the other hand, a sign of confidence comes from travel, which continues to drive consumer plans despite the complicated scenario.

This is what emerges from the Findomestic Monthly Observatory. In view of the upcoming summer holidays only 14% have decided to forego going away, 51% have not changed their plans, 35% are reviewing them, orienting their choice of destination mainly towards Italia but also towards north-central Europe and the western part of the Mediterranean.

The general context, however, does not help households: 44% describe themselves as being in a problematic economic situation and four out of ten Italians have failed to save in the last ten months. Purchase intentions, however, fell only 1.1% compared to the previous month despite being at an already low level over the past year.

"Economic fear is the factor that affects Italians the most," comments the head of the Findomestic Observatory, Claudio Bardazzi. "Expectations of rising prices make households more cautious, but the resilience of purchasing intentions should support demand. Planning remains and can be realised if the offer manages to reassure and give certainty to the consumer, for example on the energy front with proposals for fixed-cost energy contracts or practical solutions to improve energy efficiency in the home".