Since the start of the conflict in Iran, rising energy prices have forced Italian families and businesses to pay an estimated €16.5 billion more than the average prices in February. This is according to data from CNA (Confartigianato), updated to September 30, which the CNA Sardinia Research Center analyzed from a regional perspective to assess the island's situation compared to the rest of Italy.

For Sardinia, where the productive fabric is largely composed of micro and small artisan businesses and where energy costs have always been compounded by the disadvantages of island status, the issue takes on even greater significance. "According to the Ministry of Made in Italy (MIMIT) survey of September 30, the island recorded a diesel price of €2.339 per liter, compared to a national average of €2.207, and gasoline at €2.122, compared to €2.028."

Nearly half of the increase in costs comes from fuel: "The highest cost of gasoline and diesel is estimated at between 7.4 and 7.6 billion euros. Electricity follows, at 5.8-6 billion, and gas directly consumed by households and businesses, at 3-3.3 billion. September alone generated an additional bill of between 4.6 and 5.2 billion, about a third of the entire increase accumulated since the beginning of March."

According to the association, if the regulated prices for gasoline and diesel are extended until the end of the year and electricity and gas prices remain at average September levels, the increased energy bill could reach approximately 33 billion euros by the end of 2026. The fourth quarter alone risks adding over 16 billion to the 16.5 billion already accumulated. "The reduction in fuel prices could be worth between 400 million and over a billion, depending on the duration and extent of the measure: a significant benefit, but not enough to neutralize the pressure that, with the cold season, will shift to electricity and gas bills."

In September, petrol prices reached their highest levels since March 2022, while diesel prices set a new all-time high in the weekly data series available since 1996: the national average rose to €2,141 per litre for petrol (21 September) and €2,351 for diesel (28 September). In this context, Sardinia remains consistently above average. For diesel prices, it is tied for third place among the regions with Calabria (€2,339), behind Sicily and Valle d'Aosta (€2,342); only the autonomous province of Bolzano recorded higher prices, at €2,360.

"The numbers compiled by our Research Center," say Luigi Tomasi and Francesco Porcu, respectively president and regional secretary of CNA Sardinia, "show that the energy price spike is not a mere afterthought: €16.5 billion more in seven months, nearly €5 billion in September alone. In Sardinia, this cost is compounded by fuel prices consistently above the national average, with diesel fuel at a premium of over 13 cents. For our businesses, which use vans and work vehicles every day in a region where road transport is essential, this means eroded margins and postponed investments."

Even with regulated prices, Tomasi and Porcu continue, "the risk is a blow at the end of the year, with a bill that could reach nearly €33 billion. The measures adopted have curbed prices in the final days of September, but they are no substitute for a structural strategy."

(Unioneonline/AD)

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