ItalyThe Italian government has ended the fuel discount, bringing back higher taxes on diesel. As of July 4, 2026, excise duties on diesel have returned to 67.2 cents per liter, adding to the VAT, making the total tax burden over €1 per liter. This places Italy at the top of Europe’s diesel taxation rankings, according to the European Commission’s latest data. The change follows the expiration of a previous reduction introduced in March 2026 due to rising oil prices. With Brent crude now around $70 per barrel—down over 30% from spring levels—the government decided not to extend the discount. The report notes that while industrial prices remain aligned with other European economies, the significant difference in taxation explains Italy’s position. Similar changes apply to gasoline, which was already taxed at the same rate as diesel since January 2026, placing Italy sixth in the European ranking for fuel taxes.
Tendenz-Einschätzung (Mitte): The article presents factual information about the government’s decision to end a fuel tax discount and its impact on Italy’s position within the EU. It does not take an overtly left or right-wing stance but reports on the economic and fiscal implications of the policy shift. While the government’s
