Yet another increase in diesel prices nullifies the Meloni government's mini-cut in excise duties (which will last another 10 days) and sends prices skyrocketing at petrol stations. And it further puts Sardinian truck drivers on their knees, who "can't handle the situation any longer," is the alarm raised by Confartigianato Sardegna .
The cost of diesel fuel has increased by 18.9% in the last month, that of ships by 49%, and that of airplanes by as much as 127% .
The data
The numbers compiled by Confartigianato's Research Office give a sense of the emergency: a heavy-duty vehicle travels an average of 120,000 kilometers a year, consuming approximately 36,000 liters of diesel. An increase of 0.25 euros per liter results in an increase of 9,000 euros per truck, which increases to 90,000 euros for a fleet of ten vehicles . This impact is "difficult to sustain" for a sector whose average margin remains below 3% of turnover, "so much so that in many cases the fuel price increase alone is enough to wipe out profits."
Sardinia doubly penalized
And the situation is even more unsustainable for Sardinia, where 1,500 freight transport companies operate, with over 4,000 employees who move 80% of the goods within the island.
"We are doubly penalized," emphasizes Giacomo Meloni, president of Confartigianato Sardegna, "by the cost of fuel and maritime transport . In both cases, goods arrive on the mainland burdened by double the costs found in other parts of Italy and Europe. This situation creates difficulties for businesses and citizens who have no other solutions."
The progression of increases
The study also notes the progression of increases; in 2021, the price of diesel at the pump was €1.35 per liter. The following year, with the crisis in Ukraine, it reached €1.65 per liter (+22.3%), and has now surpassed €2 . According to the association's calculations, while with fuel at €1.65 per liter, operating costs accounted for 50% of the vehicle's hourly operating costs, with diesel above €2, the impact exceeds 85%.
"Urgent measures or the sector will grind to a halt."
For this reason, the government is being asked to take urgent measures: "Order the immediate use of the tax credit resulting from the excise duty refund, allocate adequate funds to compensate for losses incurred, suspend and defer social security and tax payments to ensure liquidity, and take action against speculators."
We must start from this basis to "guarantee the regular continuity of transport services", because otherwise the risk is to "trigger initiatives that lead to the stopping of services and moments of strong tension" .
"The reduction in fuel excise duties," observes Giacomo Meloni, "had positive effects only for a few days, but now our truckers are once again in a panic and facing the total disappearance of their profit margins . Speculation has reigned supreme this time too. And the situation appears, to everyone's eyes, uncontrolled and uncontrollable."
Another key issue: "Fuel must be paid immediately, while transport fees are usually collected after 60-90 days, resulting in increased liquidity needs. Hence the call for urgent measures at both the national and European levels, along the lines of those already authorized by the European Union during the energy crisis linked to the conflict in Ukraine."
(Unioneonline/L)
