Italy's fuel price caps take effect as Sicilian truckers plan five-day strike

A 30-day price-cap scheme announced by state-owned Eni took effect on Monday, fixing diesel at €2.19 per litre and unleaded petrol at €1.99, roughly 17 cents below the levels at the time of the announcement. The move aims to ease the burden on households and businesses as fuel prices climb amid the Iran war. Meanwhile, the Sicilian Truckers' Committee, headed by Salvatore Bella, declared a five-day strike from Oct 16-20, saying drivers will keep their trucks idle until the government provides answers to their requests for assistance.

Taxi drivers have also expressed dissatisfaction and threatened a strike if not summoned for talks. Azerbaijan’s state oil company Socar said it will follow Eni’s lead and apply the same caps at its IP network of stations in Italy. Premier Giorgia Meloni praised the cooperation and reiterated the government's commitment to protect purchasing power, noting a recent reduction in diesel duties that will be phased out next week. The Ministry of Business and Made in Italy reported a marginal decline in average retail fuel prices on Monday.