Codacons, the Italian consumer protection association, has calculated that motorists across the country will collectively spend €10.8 billion on fuel in July and August alone—a staggering €1.9 billion increase compared to the same two-month period in 2025. The surge stems from geopolitical pressures affecting global oil prices, combined with Italy's fuel tax structure.
The Numbers at a Glance
• Diesel now costs 30.2% more than summer 2025—roughly €25 extra per tank—while gasoline has risen 14.4%, adding €12.40 per fill-up.
• The government collects approximately €5.6 billion in fuel taxation revenue over these eight weeks, with taxes accounting for 53.3% of every liter of gasoline and 51% of diesel.
• Codacons is pressing authorities to slash excise duties by at least 15 cents per liter to provide relief to drivers facing mounting transportation costs.
The Scale of Summer Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption in Italy traditionally spikes during July and August as millions hit the road for summer holidays. According to Codacons data, Italians purchase approximately 2.2 billion liters of gasoline and 3.1 billion liters of diesel across the country during this two-month window.
Codacons projects that Italian drivers will spend roughly €5.64 billion on fuel in July, of which €2.93 billion flows directly to state coffers through VAT and excise duties. By month's end, households will have paid an additional €841 million compared to July 2025, assuming consumption levels remain consistent.
What This Means for Drivers
The impact on family budgets is immediate. For a standard 50-liter tank, drivers now pay significantly more for fuel compared to prices from the beginning of summer. This increased transportation cost compresses household budgets, particularly for families planning extended road trips during the peak holiday season.
The squeeze on disposable income affects not only motorists but also the broader tourism economy. With fuel consuming a larger share of vacation budgets, consumers have less to spend on restaurants, lodging, and local shopping—a concern for small businesses in coastal and rural tourist destinations.
The Policy Context
The current price pressures reflect Italy's fuel taxation system and global energy market dynamics. Geopolitical tensions affecting oil supplies have contributed to the broader European fuel price increases. Consumer advocacy groups argue that the current tax burden on fuel is a significant driver of pump prices, limiting consumer spending power during a period when households already contend with other cost-of-living pressures.
Codacons is calling for immediate government action to reduce excise duties, arguing that without intervention, fuel costs will remain a substantial burden throughout the holiday season. Government officials have indicated that policy measures are under consideration to address the situation.
Looking Forward
The key question is whether Italian authorities will respond to public pressure with decisive measures to lower the tax component of pump prices. Consumer groups maintain that relief at the pump is essential, especially as households balance transportation costs against other necessities.
For now, Italian motorists face an expensive summer, with the outcome dependent on whether policymakers act to ease the fiscal burden on drivers.
