Yet another increase in diesel prices nullifies the Meloni government's mini-cut in excise duties (which will last another 10 days) and sends prices skyrocketing at petrol stations. And it further puts Sardinian truck drivers on their knees, who "can't handle the situation any longer," is the alarm raised by Confartigianato Sardegna .

The cost of diesel fuel has increased by 18.9% in the last month, that of ships by 49%, and that of airplanes by as much as 127% .

The data

The numbers compiled by Confartigianato's Research Office give a sense of the emergency: a heavy-duty vehicle travels an average of 120,000 kilometers a year, consuming approximately 36,000 liters of diesel. An increase of 0.25 euros per liter results in an increase of 9,000 euros per truck, which increases to 90,000 euros for a fleet of ten vehicles . This impact is "difficult to sustain" for a sector whose average margin remains below 3% of turnover, "so much so that in many cases the fuel price increase alone is enough to wipe out profits."

Sardinia doubly penalized

And the situation is even more unsustainable for Sardinia, where 1,500 freight transport companies operate, with over 4,000 employees who move 80% of the goods within the island.

"We are doubly penalized," emphasizes Giacomo Meloni, president of Confartigianato Sardegna, "by the cost of fuel and maritime transport . In both cases, goods arrive on the mainland burdened by double the costs found in other parts of Italy and Europe. This situation creates difficulties for businesses and citizens who have no other solutions."

The progression of increases

The study also notes the progression of increases; in 2021, the price of diesel at the pump was €1.35 per liter. The following year, with the crisis in Ukraine, it reached €1.65 per liter (+22.3%), and has now surpassed €2 . According to the association's calculations, while with fuel at €1.65 per liter, operating costs accounted for 50% of the vehicle's hourly operating costs, with diesel above €2, the impact exceeds 85%.