Basilicata faces oil legacy and rising fuel costs

The Basilicata region in Italy is facing scrutiny regarding its oil industry, specifically concerning environmental legacy and the economic impact on local residents. Engineer Antonio Grieco has issued an open letter to regional institutions calling for a rigorous environmental planning strategy as mining closure procedures begin for certain wells. He emphasizes that the region's true wealth lies in its ability to restore the territory for future generations, citing principles of biodiversity and the “polluter pays” rule.

Simultaneously, regional councilors from the Movimento 5 Stelle have denounced the economic paradox facing the region. Despite Basilicata being one of Europe’s major onshore oil producers—having generated over 2.2 billion euros in royalties since 2008—local families and businesses are seeing the highest increase in fuel expenditures in Italy. Projections suggest that by 2026, spending on gasoline and diesel in the region could rise by 21.6%, reaching 663 million euros. Critics argue that the high cost of fuel acts as a territorial tax on a population heavily dependent on automobiles due to insufficient public transport.