A recent survey by the Eumetra social research institute focused on the issue of high fuel prices. 79% of Italians declare that, compared to about six months ago, family spending on fuel - petrol and diesel - has increased or significantly increased. A figure higher than that relating to electricity and gas bills, indicated as increasing by 74% of families, and food spending, which increased by 68%.
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The increase in costs has already had concrete effects on daily life. 43% of Italians have reduced the use of the car or travel, while 32% declare they have given up or reduced travel and holidays. But the consequences also concern the management of the home and daily expenses: 33% have limited heating or air conditioning, 28% have reduced food spending and 24% have limited the use of household appliances. The percentage of families who expect to reduce some expenses rises to 71%, while 29% think that their consumption will continue substantially as before.
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At the same time, the priorities of Italians are also changing. Among those who plan to reduce expenses, says Eumetra, 62% indicate outings and leisure expenses, 54% energy consumption, 53% non-strictly necessary travel and transport costs, 53% clothing and accessories and 52% travel and holidays. 27% also plan to intervene on food spending and 19% on health, visits, check-ups and dentist expenses.
For further information: Consumption of Italian families, obligatory expenses rise to 42%: home in the lead
The data relating to energy is interesting: in March 64% of those who planned to reduce expenses indicated energy consumption among the items to be reduced; today the share is 54%. The data must be read together with the actual behavior already adopted by families: after months of attention to domestic consumption, a part of the population may have already implemented the main containment strategies.
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The data is also confirmed by Istat which certified that in September both the consumer confidence climate and the composite indicator of the business confidence climate decreased. As regards consumers, "net of the estimated effects attributable to changes regarding the organization of the survey network, in September 2026 there was a moderate reduction in the overall climate of trust and in personal, current and future ones".
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Massimiliano Dona, president of the National Consumers Union, speaks of the "expensive return effect. After the holidays and the breath of optimism, in September confidence collapses: unfortunately Italians have returned to the harsh reality and have to deal with the autumn shock, including increases in electricity bills, high school prices, fuel sold at astronomical prices". Also according to Codacons "once the summer effect which had led to an injection of confidence for consumers and businesses has ended, the crisis in the Middle East is once again making its effects felt on the expectations of families and companies. The continuation of the current geopolitical crisis situation, together with the sharp rise in energy and fuel prices, have led to a reversal of the trend. The lower consumer confidence translates into a lower propensity for families to spend on goods and services, with a depressive effect on national consumption".
But how much could the increases in fuel costs cost in concrete terms? According to an analysis by Facile.it, Italian motorists spent, with the same consumption, over 1.3 billion more than twelve months ago. Despite the positive effect linked to the price cap introduced by some companies, with the same consumption in October, Italians could spend 36% more on fuel compared to the previous year, with an increase of close to 1.6 billion euros. Given that it could be reduced if other companies were to introduce a cap on the price of fuel.
For further information: Coop Report 2026, we consume less and work more: "Italy incapable of growing"
