Rising vehicle ownership costs impact Italian motorists

Rising fuel and maintenance costs are significantly impacting vehicle ownership in Italy. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and Unem, the average annual gasoline consumption per driver is between 800 and 850 liters. High fuel prices have led to substantial cumulative expenses for motorists over the last decade.

Data from the ACI Statistical Yearbook indicates that in 2025, the average annual cost for a circulating vehicle in Italy was €4,115, with diesel vehicles costing more at €4,307 and gasoline vehicles at €3,860. Fuel remains the dominant expense, accounting for approximately half of the total cost, estimated at €1,941 per year for an average car.

In regions like Lombardy, where commuting is essential, these costs are particularly acute. Beyond fuel, maintenance costs have seen a 13% annual increase. Additional financial burdens include highway tolls, such as those on the A4 motorway, and urban access fees like Milan’s Area C and Area B, as well as various local parking and traffic zone regulations.