Italy faces higher summer expenses as energy prices surge
A conflict in the Middle East has pushed up European gas prices, causing Italy’s electricity cost to rise from about €112/MWh in June 2025 to €132/MWh in June 2026 – a jump of roughly 17.8%. Utility managers report that average electricity tariffs are now about 7.2% higher than a year earlier, adding noticeably to household bills during the hot season.
The higher power rates are translating into steeper consumer costs. The Assium association estimates that running air‑conditioners for a typical 100‑day summer period can cost families between €95 and over €400, depending on the type of unit. At the same time, a Facile.it consumer report notes that holiday accommodation prices have risen 5‑15% across coastal, mountain and city destinations, with weekly stays now ranging from €800 to €2,500. Many Italians are also taking out personal loans averaging €5,400 to help cover these increased expenses.