Italy’s state-controlled energy company, Eni, has implemented a 30-day cap on fuel prices at its stations, setting a maximum of €2.19 per litre for diesel and €1.99 for unleaded petrol. This move, which took effect on Monday, aims to alleviate the financial burden on households and businesses as fuel costs remain high amid ongoing tensions linked to the Iran conflict. The capped prices are approximately 17 cents per litre below the average levels recorded when the measure was announced.
The situation has prompted Sicilian truck drivers to declare a five-day strike from October 16 to 20, protesting against the high fuel costs and what they perceive as insufficient government action on their demands. In addition, taxi drivers have voiced their concerns about the rising fuel prices and have hinted at possible industrial action if the government does not engage with them in discussions.
In a parallel development, Azerbaijan’s state-owned energy company SOCAR plans to introduce similar fuel price limits at its IP petrol stations in Italy. This step adds to the broader efforts to mitigate the effects of escalating fuel costs.
Meanwhile, the Italian government has been working independently to reduce fuel expenses by cutting diesel duties. However, the latest tax reduction is set to expire in early October, creating uncertainty about future fuel price stability.