Published on March 19, 2026 at 21:07 Updated on March 19, 2026 at 21:08
The energy war is setting the global economy on fire. European gas prices soared by 35% on Thursday, March 19, while oil prices reached up to $119 per barrel. However, for now, the government of Sébastien Lecornu has no plans to lower fuel taxes. This is unlike Italy, where Giorgia Meloni’s government decided to lower taxes for 20 days, resulting in immediate effects at the pump. Reporting from Rome.
€1.83 for diesel, €1.63 for petrol… It has been more than 20 days since Italians saw such prices. In the afternoon of Thursday, March 19, in Rome, a fuel station attendant adjusts the prices to implement the Italian government decree: a 25 euro cent tax cut. “We are returning to last month’s prices, before the Iran war broke out,” he indicates.
For weeks, like many European countries, Italy had prices well above 2 euros per liter. Therefore, this reduction comes as a relief. Some find it hard to believe: “I’m capturing the moment because this price is much lower than those of recent days,” explains a driver, phone in hand. “It’s a measure we have been eagerly awaiting because we were all scared by those prices. I hope it will provide some relief to our economy,” another driver testifies.
A measure that also benefits French people living near the Italian border. They only have to travel a few kilometers to take advantage of these unbeatable prices: “€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 am 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 continue,” specified the Italian economy minister.
