Italy’s state-controlled energy company Eni has implemented a 30-day cap on fuel prices at its stations, setting maximum prices at €2.19 per litre for diesel and €1.99 for unleaded petrol. This measure, effective from Monday, aims to alleviate the financial burden on households and businesses as fuel prices remain high due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The capped prices are approximately 17 cents per litre lower than the average levels recorded when the initiative was announced.
The move comes as Sicilian truck drivers plan a five-day strike from October 16 to 20 to protest against high fuel costs and what they perceive as inadequate governmental response to their demands. The truckers’ strike highlights the growing discontent among those most affected by rising fuel expenses.
Additionally, taxi drivers have expressed concerns over the elevated fuel prices, warning of potential industrial action if the government does not engage in discussions with them. This underscores the broader dissatisfaction within the transportation sector over fuel costs.
In a similar effort to combat rising fuel prices, Azerbaijan’s state-owned energy company SOCAR has announced plans to introduce fuel price limits at its IP petrol stations in Italy. This aligns with broader efforts to mitigate the impact of increasing fuel costs on consumers.
The Italian government has also taken steps to alleviate fuel expenses by reducing diesel duties. However, the current tax reduction is set to expire in early October, adding a layer of urgency to the ongoing discussions and measures aimed at addressing the fuel price issue.