Amid ongoing concerns over rising fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions, Italy’s state-controlled energy company, Eni, has implemented a temporary cap on fuel prices at its stations. Starting this Monday, the company has set maximum prices of €2.19 per litre for diesel and €1.99 per litre for unleaded petrol. This 30-day measure aims to alleviate financial pressures on both households and businesses, with the capped rates sitting about 17 cents per litre below the average levels recorded when the measure was announced.
The introduction of this price cap comes as Sicilian truck drivers prepare to strike from October 16 to 20. They are protesting high fuel costs and what they perceive as insufficient government response to their demands. In addition to the truckers, taxi drivers have voiced their concerns over fuel prices and have indicated that they might consider industrial action if no discussions with the government take place.
In a related move, Azerbaijan’s state-owned energy company SOCAR has announced plans to implement similar fuel price limits at its IP petrol stations throughout Italy. This initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate the impact of escalating fuel expenses on consumers.
Meanwhile, the Italian government has taken separate action to manage fuel costs by reducing diesel duties. However, the current tax reduction measures are set to expire in early October, which may influence fuel prices further if not extended.