Eni has launched an emergency measure aimed at curbing surging fuel costs across Italy by capping retail prices on its network. The company introduced a maximum price of €1.99 per liter for petrol and €2.19 per liter for diesel, providing temporary relief to commuters and families following recent record spikes at the pump. Independent distributor IP (Italiana Petroli, owned by Azerbaijan’s Socar group) followed suit, introducing a similar price-control mechanism across thousands of its own stations.
While the Italian government welcomed the moves - hoping market competition would force other oil companies to trim their margins and cool inflationary pressures - the initiative has failed to satisfy commercial drivers. Truckers and taxi operators slammed the price ceilings as woefully inadequate, arguing that diesel remains far too expensive for full-time drivers whose operating margins have been completely wiped out. Sector representatives are demanding a structural cut to fuel taxes and an urgent meeting with cabinet officials, warning of potential road blockades and nationwide strikes.
Meanwhile, the first day of capped pricing led to widespread disruption at local pumps. High demand saw motorists flock to stations early in the day, causing several locations to run out of fuel within hours and post "Sold Out" signs across their pumps.