After the excise duty discount was halved, fuel prices continue to rise

After the halving of the excise duty discount on diesel which took effect on Saturday 26 September (it went from 12 to 6 cents, also counting VAT), the cost of fuel continues to grow on both the road and motorway networks. Looking at the data collected by the Mimit Observatory on fuel prices, relating to yesterday, the average price in self-service mode along the national road network was equal to 2.159 euros per liter for petrol (from 2.158 euros the day before) and 2.377 euros per liter for diesel (from 2.357 euros on Saturday). On the motorway network, diesel was close to 2.5 euros per litre: the average self-service price was 2.254 euros for petrol (on Saturday it was 2.252 euros) and 2.459 euros for diesel (from 2.439 on Saturday).

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For a weekly 50-litre tank, according to the same analysis, a family will save 8.45 euros with a petrol car and 9.35 euros with a diesel car. Over the initial 30 days of the measure, the advantage is 36-40 euros per car, which would rise to 115-127 euros in the event of an extension until 31 December. More relevant, Unimpresa calculates, is the effect on micro and small businesses that get their supplies at the pump. A craftsman with a van and a consumption of 80 liters per week saves 12.26 euros per week net of VAT, a local trade and distribution business with 120 liters 18.39 euros, a last mile courier with 240 liters 36.79 euros. For a fleet of ten vans the benefit reaches 245 euros per week and over 3,300 euros until the end of the year.

The decision to set a price cap is accompanied by some concern for the distribution market. The alarm comes from sector operators, who warn of the possible repercussions of the decision. Figisc, the Federation of petrol plant managers adhering to Confcommercio, first of all points out that it is the public energy giant "that takes the State's chestnuts out of the fire".

Before Socar announced its intention to set a price cap for fuel in IP distributors, it was highlighted how Eni's decision could have "the effect of upsetting the distribution market": a system which - it is pointed out - "is still an economic system that must hold up". The thesis formulated by some, which has been discussed, is that it is an operation "implemented by virtue of a dominant position, dumping and unfair competition". Repercussions are feared for other managers, "who will find themselves, without their company's safety net, out of the market". But also for those who apply the discount: "What will they do when it is difficult to meet supplies?".