Italian municipalities manage fuel stations to lower prices

Several Italian municipalities are managing their own fuel stations to prevent service closures in rural areas and provide lower prices to residents. In Valle Castellana, located in the province of Teramo, Mayor Camillo D’Angelo took over the local station in 2022 after it faced closure due to depopulation and economic instability. The municipality operates the station at cost, adding only enough to cover maintenance, electricity, and security, with no profit margin. This has resulted in prices significantly lower than private competitors, with savings reaching up to 25 cents per liter.

This model is also utilized in the Ascoli Piceno province. In Force, a municipal station opened in 2016 adds only seven cents per liter to the purchase price to cover maintenance. Similarly, Montedinove maintains a local facility to ensure essential services for its citizens. These initiatives aim to prevent residents from having to travel long distances for fuel while providing economic relief amidst rising energy costs.