Italy prepares targeted assistance due to expensive fuel: who may be supported after September 10

Italy is preparing to change its approach to compensating high fuel prices. Instead of a general tax discount for all drivers, the government wants to move to targeted assistance depending on income and economic vulnerability.

The existing diesel discount is being extended for a few more days — until September 10. But the authorities call it a temporary bridge that should give time to prepare a new support system.

The main priority — families with lower incomes

The government has already stated several times that the new measures should be more selective.

First of all, it concerns people with low incomes. Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani also spoke about the need to support part of the middle class and companies that are particularly dependent on fuel costs.

Exact income limits have not yet been determined. Possible ISEE thresholds, the Italian indicator of a family's financial situation, have also not been approved.

Among the options — special fuel cards

The Ministry of Economy is considering several mechanisms.

One option is fuel cards or similar targeted compensation for families that meet the established income criteria.

Separate assistance may be provided for hauliers, since the rise in diesel prices directly increases their operating costs.

However, the final form of support, payment amounts and the circle of recipients have not yet been approved.

Why Italy wants to abandon the discount for everyone

The government considers a permanent reduction in excise duty too expensive and insufficiently targeted.

The same discount applies regardless of the motorist's income and the volume of fuel consumed. As a result, in absolute figures, greater benefit may be received by those who drive and refuel more.

The new scheme should allow the state to direct limited budget funds precisely to those households and economic sectors for which the rise in fuel prices creates the greatest burden.

What will happen before September 10

While the new system is being developed, the authorities decided to keep the current diesel tax reduction of 17 cents per liter until September 10.

Additional costs are planned to be covered through the so-called mobile excise mechanism: part of the additional VAT that the state receives due to the rise in fuel prices is channeled to temporarily reduce the fixed tax.

The main change is expected after September 10: instead of extending the general discount, Italy may move to assistance tied to family income and actual dependence on fuel costs.

Specific conditions should be determined by the next government decision.