Italy: Fuel companies cap petrol and diesel prices to ease pressure on citizens

ROME, September 28 /ATSH-DPA/ — Italian fuel companies “Eni” and “Italiana Petroli” (IP) have set a maximum price for diesel and petrol to help citizens and businesses facing rising fuel prices.

Eni has set the cap at no more than 2.19 euros per litre for diesel and 1.99 euros per litre for petrol.

The cap will initially be in force for 30 days. Eni said it is considering whether the measure could continue until the end of the year.

According to the company, fuel prices have risen sharply due to ongoing international crises and tensions. Eni said the decision aims to help Italian families, consumers and businesses.

IP, which operates from the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR, also announced it would set a maximum price for fuels.

The company has not yet disclosed the figure but said the decision was taken following a request from the Italian government.

The measure comes as the Italian government is reducing the aid it provided to citizens for fuel prices.

On Saturday, the fuel tax cut was halved, from 0.122 to 0.061 euros per litre.

The measure will be in force until October 5.

After that date, the government plans a new way to change fuel taxes depending on prices.

The aim is for tax changes to help control fuel prices.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked the companies for the decision, saying the price cap is a help for Italian families.

However, dissatisfaction over high fuel prices is growing.

Transport companies in Sicily have announced a strike in mid-October.

Farmers on the island are also protesting, while taxi unions have also warned of strikes.