Italian government plans mobile excise cuts as European fuel prices surge

Diesel and gasoline prices have risen sharply across Europe, with Italy reporting diesel above €2.16 per litre and gasoline near €2.0 per litre. Similar spikes are seen in the Netherlands, where diesel rose by almost 18 % to about €2.24 per litre, and in Germany, where average prices reached €2.17 for gasoline and €2.20 for diesel. Austria’s Salzburg region reports diesel over €2 per litre and Luxembourg’s border stations show diesel at €1.889 per litre, remaining stable.

Governments are responding with policy measures. Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni and economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti have announced a “mobile excise” system that would reduce fuel taxes automatically when international oil prices rise, with a first decree expected within days and a second measure to freeze part of the fuel tax during August. Austria’s trade unions are urging tighter margin caps on stations, while German opposition parties are calling for a fuel‑price cap. The price surge is linked to ongoing Middle‑East tensions, including the Iran‑U.S. conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have pushed Brent crude above $100 per barrel.