Rome, Aug. 31, (dpa/GNA) - Petrol will stay cheap for car and motorcycle drivers in Italy through the start of October, now that the government has extended a subsidy programme.
The extension means that petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas is reduced by about 30 cents ($0.30) per litre, according to Finance Minister Daniele Franco and Ecological Transition Minister Roberto Cingolani on Wednesday.
As part of the deal, a decree that the state will hold off on income from certain taxes and fees on fuel has been in place since the spring had been set to expire on September 20. Under the new decree, this rule will stay in place until October 5.
Italy’s government has been working to find ways to contain fuel costs, which have exploded in recent months due to shortages linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some politicians have even requested that current campaigning for a new legislature be suspended so that parties can come together and find some solution to lower prices for households and businesses.
Even Giorgia Meloni of the far-right Brothers of Italy, the main opposition and the favourite to win in the September 25 elections, has shown openness to a parliamentary session to discuss the country’s options.
GNA