Published
Updated
Reading time: 2min – video: 2min
The energy war sets the global economy on fire. European gas surged by 35% on Thursday, March 19, and the price of oil reached up to $119 per barrel. But for now, the government of Sébastien Lecornu does not plan to lower fuel taxes. Unlike Italy, where the government of Giorgia Meloni has decided to reduce taxes for 20 days, with immediate effects at the pump. Reporting from Rome.
This text corresponds to a part of the transcription of the above report. Click on the video to watch it in full.
1.83 euros for diesel, 1.63 euros for gasoline… It has been more than 20 days since Italians had seen such prices. In front of us, in the afternoon, on Thursday, March 19, in Rome, a gas station attendant changes prices to apply the decree of the Italian government: a tax cut of 25 euro cents. “Here, we are back to the prices of last month, before the war broke out in Iran,” he says.
For several weeks, like many European countries, Italy had prices well above 2 euros per liter. So, of course, this reduction is a relief. Some find it hard to believe: “I immortalize the moment because this price here is really much lower than those of recent days,” explains a motorist, phone in hand. “It’s a measure we have been eagerly awaiting, because we were all frightened by these prices. I hope this will give some breathing space to our economy,” testifies a driver in turn.
A measure that French people living near Italy also benefit from. They only have a few kilometers to travel to enjoy these unbeatable rates: “2.09 at the Beausoleil station where I am, and 1.87 here in Vintimille. But I don’t understand why we are more expensive and they are cheaper,” comments a man at the pump. “I’m going to Italy, so I take advantage of it. My wife works with the car continuously, that’s why,” adds another.
This price reduction measure, costing half a billion euros, will only last for 20 days. “We don’t have enough money to go further,” specified the Italian Minister of Economy.
