The United States and Israel's war against Iran will also be felt in Italians' pockets . Codacons estimates an increase in all expenses from 614 to 818 euros per year , Facile.it predicts an additional 166 euros per year for utility bills alone, and the fuel industry association Unem estimates at least 10 cents more per liter for diesel.
Consumerism reports that energy companies have immediately removed fixed-price electricity and gas contracts for businesses from the market , and urges families not to listen to alarmist phone calls. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz , through which 20% of the world's oil and 25% of liquefied natural gas pass, has already increased the prices of crude oil ($76 per barrel, +7%) and natural gas ($63 per megawatt-hour at the Amsterdam TTF, +41%) . In a cascade, energy and fuel prices will increase in the coming days , raising electricity and gas bills on the one hand , and the production and transportation costs of all products on the other, and therefore prices on the shelves .
Codacons has made some estimates: a family with two children could spend 93 euros more per year on food and drinks, 160 or 165 euros more on fuel (depending on whether they have a petrol or diesel car), 210 to 380 euros more on electricity and gas, and 180 euros more on transport . In total, 614 to 818 euros more per year.
Facile.it is a bit more optimistic, estimating an increase of €121 per year for gas bills and €45 for electricity bills, a total of €166. The National Consumers' Union notes that the PUN, the single national price for electricity, has increased by 54.85% since Saturday, from €107.03 per megawatt hour to €165.74. "The risk of bills exploding is real," comments President Marco Vignola. Nomisma Energia President Davide Tabarelli estimates "a 15% increase in gas bills starting April 1st, and an 8-10% increase in electricity bills for vulnerable users in the second quarter. Gas bills could then stabilize at a 5-10% increase in the following months, while electricity bills could stabilize at a 5% increase in the third quarter of the year."
Consumerismo reports that energy companies have recently removed all fixed-price electricity and gas offers intended for businesses. This is a way to avoid being stuck with low rates, at a time when electricity and gas prices are rising rapidly, and for an unknown period of time. The association has also compiled a handbook urging families not to panic. Those with a fixed-price contract are wise to stick with it; those with a variable-price contract should carefully monitor changes. In any case, avoid impulsively switching providers, and avoid being frightened by alarmist phone calls, which could be scams.
(Unioneonline)
