Record inflation and skyrocketing bills. Sardinian restaurateurs: "So we close"

Inflation gallops in Italy, including Sardinia, and more and more families are forced to tighten their belts because, month after month, their purchasing power is being eroded. The Istat data published a few days ago, and which refer to August, certify that prices have jumped by 8.4% in the Peninsula and even 9.2% in the Island. It goes without saying that among the increases, those related to electricity are the highest ever. And precisely for this reason Codacons launches the "strike of bills" in Sardinia.

Island on the podium

Sardinia is the third “most expensive” region of Italy, with inflation reaching 9.2% in August (Trentino at 10.2% first, Sicily at 10% second). This means that the annual increase for an average family (three people) is 1,621.

The cities

The highest inflation for electricity, gas and other fuels among the Sardinian cities was recorded in Olbia-Tempio (73.6), then Cagliari (66.4) and Sassari (64.7); all however below the national average at 76.4.

Chapter "food and non-alcoholic beverages". In this case Olbia-Tempio is the 14th province in Italy with the highest price increases (11.8), Sassari 17th with 11.7 while Cagliari has a lower rate than the national average (10.5) with 10.2.

The restaurateurs: "This is how we close"

After Covid, the war and astronomical bills. Sardinian restaurateurs are desperate: "This way it is impossible to go on, let's close the shutters".

For Marco Molia, owner of a catering service in Sestu, the first blow came in spring with an electricity bill of about 16 thousand euros, double the previous year: "We changed manager, at the beginning I thought they were of the adjustments, but I am deluded - he says -. Each month the figure increases, but the electricity I use is always the same. In July I received a bill of almost 42 thousand euros, I am waiting for the one in August but I really risk closing the business ».

Alessandro Ortu, owner of the "Sa Barracca" restaurant, was one of the first to publish the bill of almost 13 thousand euros on social media, which arrived between February and April. “I thought it was an exception and I paid for it immediately. Then I canceled the charge and for the following I asked for rationing, but it is a problem that I am only postponing - highlights Ortu who received the August slip of over 22 thousand euros -. They talk about these energy decrees, but they are needed today, not in the future ».

Franco Angius, owner of the restaurant "Il Volo" in Pirri: «I had the first alarm in June, when I received a bill of 12 thousand euros. I published it on our Facebook profile and was contacted by the supplier to ask us about the dispute. They did their checks and obviously they told us that everything was due ». He too asked for the amount to be paid in installments: «But another blow came in July, I don't dare to imagine what August will be like. I am in a moment of despair that does not let me sleep at night ».

(Unioneonline)