Inflation continues to gallop, driven by the growth in the prices of energy goods (especially regulated ones): for February, Istat, in the sector, recorded a rate of +1.6% . Things are worse for the shopping cart, which recorded an increase of 2%. The "good" news, if we really have to look for one, is that there is an imperceptible decrease in increases, which however continue to weigh on the pockets of consumers. And empty them.

According to estimates by the National Observatory of Federconsumatori, these data have repercussions for an average family of more than 504 euros per year. Of these, 112 are diverted to the food sector.

The association emphasizes "the need and urgency to intervene to slow the growth of energy prices, adopting measures that go beyond the insufficient measures adopted so far". The reference is to the Bonus Bollette, a one-off measure that will entail a discount of 200 euros on the price of energy for all families with an ISEE below 25 thousand euros.

But acting on the energy front is not enough, according to Federconsumatori: it is necessary to provide support and measures that give oxygen to families in vital sectors, starting with the food sector. "The latter, in fact, are still dramatically forced to make significant sacrifices", explain the ONF, which "has detected, in this sense, a progressive and increasingly serious reduction in the consumption of meat and fish (-16.9%, with a shift also towards the consumption of less expensive and less valuable cuts and qualities); a cut in the consumption of fruit and vegetables (-2.4%); an increasingly assiduous search for offers, discounts, purchases of products close to expiration (a habit adopted by 51% of citizens); an increase in purchases in discount stores (+12.1%)".

Hence the proposals to the Government:

  • The remodulation of VAT on consumer goods (which would allow a saving of over 516 euros per year per family);
  • The promised reform and system charges on energy goods (eliminating obsolete items and moving others to general taxation);
  • The creation of a Fund to combat energy poverty and a specific action to combat food poverty;
  • The allocation of more resources for public health;
  • The launch of measures to rebalance existing inequalities, through a renewal of contracts, a fair revaluation of pensions and a fair tax reform, truly aimed at supporting medium-low incomes

Enrico Fresu

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