The long wave of the war in Iran, with the related crisis of the Strait of Hormuz, also has repercussions on the pockets of Italians. In just two months, between February and April, the increases in energy, transport and consumer goods generated an impact of almost 1,000 euros per year per family.
This is estimated by Codacons, based on Istat data, which highlights the generalized surge in retail prices.
Fuels rising sharply: +38% in two months
Liquid fuels are driving the growth in prices: petrol, diesel, gas oil and kerosene recorded an average increase of +38.4% in just two months.
Diesel recorded a +23%, while petrol grew by +6.2%. LPG and methane are also more expensive, with an increase of +9.4%.
An increase that weighs not only on motorists, but on the entire economic chain: transporting goods costs more and the increases are directly reflected on prices in shops.
The Meloni Government responded with a new cut in excise duties to control, at least temporarily, the cost of fuel, but this is a measure designed above all to contain the price of diesel.
The increase in kerosene, however, is causing a series of flight cancellations. Even putting at risk the holidays of Italians and foreigners in Italy.
Most expensive transport: international flights +18%
Among the sectors most affected is the transport sector. International flights increased by +18.2% compared to February, while ferries recorded a +6%.
The rental of personal transport also becomes more expensive, with an increase of 8.8%. The result is a general increase in mobility costs, both for work and tourism.
Growing bills: gas +13%, electricity +5.2%
The effect of the crisis is also felt on energy supplies. In April, gas costs 13% more than in February, while electricity records an increase of +5.2%. These are price increases that directly impact family budgets, especially in a context already marked by inflation.
But at least with regard to gas stocks, Italy confirms itself capable: one month after the start of the storage season, the filling level of the deposits is close to 50%, clearly exceeding the European average and placing the country among the most virtuous on the continent. In detail, Italy is in the lead with 101.65 TWh of stored gas, equal to 49.87% of the overall capacity.
Heavier food spending: increases on fruit and vegetables
Not even food products are saved. The most obvious increases concern:
- fruits such as blueberries, raspberries and currants +16.1%;
- legumes +9.9%;
- vegetables (tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines) +8.6%;
- fresh fruit +7.8%;
- citrus fruits +7.5%.
An increase that affects consumer goods, impacting the daily spending of families.
Technology and entertainment
The technology sector also records significant increases. Recording media increased by +21.6%, while video games, consoles and software increased by +16.4%.
The final bill: almost 1,000 euros more per year
According to Codacons, with the same consumption, an average Italian family has to face a greater annual expense of around 926 euros. And the growth in prices risks having ripple effects throughout the Italian economy.
