Soaring fuel prices are reshaping Italian drivers’ purchasing habits, as rising geopolitical tensions continue to push up costs at the pump despite the government’s temporary fuel tax cut of 24.4 cents per liter, extended through May 1, 2026.

Against this backdrop of uncertainty, demand for used electric vehicles has surged. In March, searches for second-hand EVs on specialized online platforms rose by 41% compared with February, while interest in diesel vehicles fell by 3%.

Prices for used electric cars remained broadly stable month-on-month in March at around €27,780, though they were down 3.3% compared with the same period last year, creating new opportunities for buyers looking to switch to electric.

Still, not all motorists are ready to go green. According to a recent survey, 26% of respondents said they would rather reduce driving to essential trips only—cutting back on holidays and non-essential travel—if fuel prices continue to rise. Meanwhile, 15% said higher costs would not change their mobility habits at all.