Like every self-respecting summer, in addition to the various heat waves, the main topic to keep an eye on is petrol. In Italy, it is known, it is particularly expensive, mainly due to a record amount of excise duties. However, as the usual summer exoduses approach, prices rise further. It is a normal market logic: with thousands of holidaymakers who get into their cars at the weekend to go to the beach, demand rises and consequently also pump prices. Furthermore, the cost of fuel is affected by oil prices, which in turn are negatively influenced by international dynamics: last year the Syrian crisis, today the Iraqi one.
Result: Eni raises its price lists, closely followed by Tamoil and Shell. According to data provided by Quotidiano Energia, the national averages in served mode are now 1,853 euros/litre for petrol, 1,749 for diesel and 0,755 for LPG. In some areas the peaks are 1,910 for green, 1,798 for diesel and 0,767 for LPG.
Naturally, consumer associations protest: "At this rate, by the end of August we will be well over two euros per litre", writes Federconsumatori, who speaks of "unjustified adjustments and excessive taxation", asking the Government to intervene to stop "the yet another bloodletting at the expense of families”.
The Petroleum Union, just as obviously, excuses itself, stating that it "cannot share the assessments" of consumers, since "the industrial prices (net of taxes) of petrol and diesel have grown in Italy to a much more limited extent than to what happened at the international level".
On one point in particular, however, the two fronts are more than in agreement: "We appreciate the fact - continues the UP - that even consumer associations consider the burden of taxes on fuel prices excessive and unsustainable, which is moreover destined to increase on the basis of the legal provisions already approved, and see as necessary a serious rationalization of the fuel network that can no longer be postponed".
