Diesel tops €2.37 on motorways as government extends fuel tax cut
Pump prices across Italy have climbed again, with diesel at self-service stations on the autostrade network breaking past €2.37 per litre, according to figures released by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. The daily data from the Ministry's Fuel Price Observatory show no sign of the increases slowing.
On the national road network, the average price for self-service petrol rose to €2.149 per litre, up from €2.143 the previous day. Diesel on the same network reached €2.294 per litre, an increase from €2.266. Motorway pumps remain significantly more expensive: self-service petrol now averages €2.241 per litre, while diesel has hit €2.375 per litre.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has told European Council President António Costa that the energy price crisis demands coordinated action. Rising costs linked to international conflict and speculation are a European-wide problem, Meloni argued, calling for "targeted and immediate actions" to support both citizens and businesses. She welcomed Costa's proposal to make competitiveness the top agenda item at the next European Council meeting.
Tax relief extended for diesel
The Council of Ministers has approved a decree extending fuel tax reductions. The measures focus exclusively on diesel and are structured in two phases before a new automatic mechanism takes over.
From 18 to 25 September, the excise duty on diesel is cut by 12.2 cents per litre. A 50-litre tank will cost roughly €6.10 less as a result. From 26 September to 5 October, the reduction halves to 6.1 cents per litre, saving about €3.05 on a 50-litre fill-up.
From 5 October, a new system of mobile excise duties becomes fully operational. The mechanism links tax reductions to the extra revenue the state collects when fuel prices rise, automatically lowering duties when pump prices spike.
The government confirmed that existing support for road haulage and agricultural diesel will continue. However, the tax cut extension applies only to diesel, leaving petrol without equivalent relief despite prices exceeding €2.20 per litre on motorways.
Consumer groups have calculated the impact. Adusbef estimates that a monthly fill-up on the motorway now costs more than €7 extra compared to a month ago. For diesel vehicles, that translates to €695 more per year, based on two fill-ups monthly, compared to 2025 average prices. Assoutenti warns the total hit to households could reach €19.4 billion annually when factoring in both direct fuel costs and knock-on effects on goods and services.
Deficit data could shift policy
Decisions on further intervention may hinge on deficit figures due from Istat on 22 September. If the deficit-to-GDP ratio falls below the 3% threshold, Italy could exit the European Union's excessive deficit procedure, opening fiscal space for structural measures on energy costs. Eurostat will issue definitive certification on 21 October. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has expressed hope that the data will provide room to manoeuvre.
Electric charging grants open next week
Households and condomini can apply for state grants to install private electric vehicle charging points starting 22 September at 12:00. The bonus is managed by Invitalia on behalf of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
The fund totals €68 million through 2030, with €15 million available for 2026. The grant covers 80% of eligible costs, capped at €1,500 for individuals and €8,000 for condominiums. Applications must be submitted online via Invitalia's platform using SPID, CIE or CNS digital identity, and a PEC email address is required. Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the deadline of 31 January 2027.
Installations must have been completed between 26 June and 31 December 2026 to qualify. Eligible costs include purchase and installation of charging infrastructure, electrical work, monitoring systems, and grid connection fees. The equipment must be new and compliant with technical standards set by ARERA. Sole proprietors and companies are not eligible.
