As of July 4, 2026, ordinary taxation on petrol and diesel has fully resumed following the expiration of the excise tax cut worth 6.1 euro cents per liter including VAT. The measure had been introduced in March 2026 following the crisis between the United States and Iran, which had caused oil prices to rise, and had been extended several times since.

The government decided not to extend the cut further. The decision was announced by the Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, who justified the choice by noting that pump prices have been declining for over 20 days. According to available data, the average price of petrol and diesel at fuel stations has decreased by approximately 6% over the past month. The decision is also in line with the recommendations of the European Commission, which had urged an end to the cut.

The decree of June 5, 2026 had set excise duty rates at 622.90 euros per thousand liters for both petrol and diesel, effective from June 7 to July 3. Without an extension, starting July 4 the expected average prices are 1.94 euros per liter for diesel on the ordinary network and 2.02 euros per liter on highways; for petrol, 1.86 euros per liter on the ordinary network and 1.95 on highways. The additional cost for a full tank is estimated at approximately 3 euros.

The excise tax measures have incurred a total cost of approximately 2 billion euros for public finances.

The government stated it is ready to intervene with new measures should the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic channel for crude oil transit, worsen with effects on supply costs. On Tuesday, Minister Urso also convened oil companies to request faster price reductions in line with the decline in international quotations.

The National Consumers' Union criticized the government's decision, arguing that it should have combated speculation and renewed the cut of at least 5 euro cents per liter. Additionally, fuel retailers report that illegal fuel trade results in a loss of approximately 12 billion euros for the treasury.