Fuel, petrol stations are asking for a national and dynamic price cap for 90 days

A maximum price cap for petrol and diesel, the same across the entire network and calculated with a public formula, to be activated by decree law. This is the proposal that Faib Confesercenti and Fegica presented at the Confesercenti Forum 2026. The starting point is price increases. Between 27 February and 24 September the price of self-service rose by around 49 cents per liter for petrol and 62 for diesel, despite the cut in excise duties. In August the energy component recorded +17% and inflation 3.3%, which rose above 4% in September according to the two acronyms.

The scheme has two levels. The Guarantor for the surveillance of prices ascertains the extraordinary situation, the minister activates the ceiling with a reasoned act. The measure would last 90 days, with a single extension of another 90, and would be reviewed approximately every 15 days, both upwards and downwards. The maximum price starts from the industrial price of February 27, to which are added the variations in the cost components and a safeguard margin for stocks. «No one wants to introduce the administered price», specified the president of Fegica Roberto Di Vincenzo. The mechanism, he explained, was built "on the basis of national and European administrative acts", and the two acronyms insist "on the identification of the method".

The crux is the refining margin, higher than the 2025 average of around 21 cents on petrol and 39 on diesel. The amount of this margin to be recognized is a political choice, entrusted to the alpha parameter. With alpha at 0.25 the ceiling would be 2.04 euros per liter for petrol and 2.02 for diesel; with alpha at 0.5 it would rise to 2.10 and 2.14 euros. The acronyms specify that the calculation does not prove a speculation but indicates an area of ​​investigation, with an uncertainty of 1-2 cents. The ceiling remains a maximum and can be sold below. In the event of risks to supply, suspension is envisaged as a last resort.

For the acronyms, therefore, the price cap would be a public measure valid for everyone. «We all see energy as a primary good, which has no defense unless certain, clear, transparent and equal public rules are applied for everyone», said the president of Faib Confesercenti, Giuseppe Sperduto.

The acronyms are now awaiting a meeting with Minister Adolfo Urso. «We are in constant contact with Mimit», explained Sperduto, recalling the three years of joint work on the sector bill, «which we hope will be approved as soon as possible». From this evening, announced the national secretary of Fegica Alessandro Zavalloni, the documentation will be formally sent to Palazzo Chigi and to all political forces.