Diesel Prices Surge in Italy as 2026 Budget Impacts Fuel Costs

Italian drivers will face higher diesel costs in 2026 as excise duties increase, according to the 2026 budget law, while gasoline prices are decreasing. This shift impacts millions of motorists and adds to the expense of travel, along with rising highway tolls.

Diesel Price Hike: What to Expect

Starting January 1, 2026, diesel prices in Italy will increase due to higher excise duties outlined in the Budget Law 2026. This increase will affect approximately 16.6 million drivers.

Excise Duty Details

The excise duty on diesel will rise by 4.05 cents per liter. The measure is expected to generate around 552 million euros for the state in 2026, according to Codacons.

Impact on Motorists

For the average driver, a 50-liter fill-up of diesel will cost an additional 2.47 euros, including 22% VAT. This translates to roughly 59 euros per year, assuming two fill-ups per month.

Including increases from May 2025, the total rise amounts to 3.38 euros per fill-up, or 81.1 euros annually. Codacons warns that gasoline price decreases might not immediately reflect at the pump, unlike the rapid increases in diesel prices.

"The excise duties on petrol and diesel will be aligned to 672.90 euros per 1,000 liters," Figisc stated.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated additional costs:

Gasoline Prices on the Decline

In contrast to diesel, gasoline prices have been declining since late November 2025. According to the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (Mimit), this decrease reflects trends in international markets and refined products.

Holiday Travel Impact

The gasoline price decrease is particularly noticeable during the Christmas holidays, given increased travel among Italians.

The trend in gasoline prices is attributed to international market dynamics, as noted by Mimit. The table below presents gasoline prices in recent weeks.

Current Fuel Prices

On December 30, 2025, the Mimit's Fuel Price Observatory reported the average self-service gasoline price at 1.68 euros per liter, while diesel was at 1.64 euros per liter, slightly down from the previous day.

Fuel Price Summary (December 30, 2025)

Here’s a summary of the fuel prices as of December 30, 2025:

Expert Opinions

According to Codacons, the diesel tax increase could bring approximately 552 million euros into state coffers in 2026.

"This alignment will lead to an increase in diesel and a reduction in gasoline, with immediate effects on pump prices," Figisc stated.

Balancing Act for Drivers

This situation creates a complex balance between rising diesel costs and falling gasoline prices, impacting the financial planning of Italian drivers.

Highway Toll Increases

Adding to the financial strain, highway tolls are also set to increase, making travel more expensive overall.

Historical Context

The fluctuating prices of gasoline and diesel have been a recurring theme. This has impacts on consumer behavior and transportation costs. The following table highlights these fluctuations.

The trend shows a decrease in gasoline prices and a slight increase in diesel prices over the recent months.

Market Influences

The recent decline in gasoline prices reflects the dynamics of international markets. Prices for refined products greatly affect domestic costs.

These external factors play a crucial role in determining the prices at the pump for Italian consumers.