Fuel price hike: Varesi petrol stations face tax and uncertainty

Context

In brief

• Empty pumps after the May 1st bank holiday in Varese
• Fuel excise duties create uncertainties for gas station owners
• Three government interventions in two months

Key facts

• What: Empty pumps after the May 1st bank holiday
• When: Monday morning, May 2, 2026
• Where: Province of Varese
• Who: Fuel distributors
• Amount: Excise duty cut of approximately 25 cents per liter on gasoline and diesel, and 12 cents on LPG

Monday morning, after the long May 1st bank holiday, several fuel distributors in the province of Varese found themselves out of stock. A situation destined to normalize within a few hours — or at most by Tuesday morning — but which immediately brought the spotlight back on the recent government measures regarding excise duties, and how these are complicating the lives of those who manage a fuel station.

Massimo Sassi, provincial president of Fiab Confesercenti, knows that feeling well: watching the evening news and trembling. 'When we see a government announcement about fuels — he says — those who have just refueled, perhaps for ten thousand euros, don't know what to expect.' It's the dark side of the battle against excise duties: the one that isn't seen at the pump, but weighs every day on the managers of the distributors.

The mechanism is simple but brutal: 'When the rates change — up or down — those who already have a full tank are exposed, because the variation in excise duties will not be included in that supply. And if the excise duty is cut after you've bought at full price, you sell for less than what you paid. If it is reintroduced while you still have stock bought at a discount, the margin is zero.'

'It's like a gamble that happens to us every time we refuel: if we're lucky, we recover something on the fuels — recounts Sassi — but in many cases, the operators cannot recover the total amount.' Those who, at the time of the March cut, had just refueled found themselves with goods paid for at the old price and no certainty about when and how to recover.

Impact on excise duties

The ongoing crisis stems from geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the passage between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula through which about 20% of the world's oil transits. Since the beginning of March 2026, turbulence in international markets has driven up the price of crude oil, with immediate effects on pump prices across Europe.

The Italian government has responded with three close interventions: the first is the decree law 33/2026, enacted on March 18: it cut the excise duties for twenty days with a reduction of approximately 25 cents per liter on gasoline and diesel, and 12 cents on LPG, and provided a tax credit for road transport and fishing vessels. In April, an extension arrived, which extended the cut until May 1st, in continuity with the already redetermined rates. The third intervention is from May 1st, approved in the Council of Ministers after a two-hour meeting: the extension was confirmed for another twenty-one days, therefore until May 22nd (but the date is not yet certain), but with a difference compared to previous times. The cut on diesel remained unchanged at approximately 20 cents per liter — diesel is considered strategic for freight transport and has seen the highest increases — while that on

Operational details

Practical Analysis

Recent fluctuations in fuel excise duties have created a climate of uncertainty among gasoline station managers in the province of Varese. The situation is particularly complex for those who had to refuel their tanks just before the excise cuts, finding themselves with stocks purchased at higher prices than the selling prices after the cut.

Massimo Sassi, provincial president of Fiab Confesercenti, explains that the excise mechanism is simple but brutal: 'When the rates change, those who already have a full tank are exposed, because the variation in excise duties will not be included in that supply. If the excise duty is cut after you have bought at full price, you sell for less than what you paid. If it is reintroduced while you still have stocks bought at a discount, the margin is zero.'

Possible Scenarios

1. Excise cut: If the government decides to cut excise duties, managers who have already refueled their tanks at higher prices find themselves at a disadvantage, selling fuel at a lower price than the purchase price. 2. Excise increase: In case of an excise increase, managers who have purchased fuel at discounted prices find themselves selling at higher prices, but the profit margin could be zeroed if the excise duties are reintroduced while they still have stocks bought at a discount. 3. Excise stability: In a context of stability, managers can better plan their operations, avoiding the uncertainties related to excise variations.

Comparison with the previous situation

Once, there was a different mechanism: when the government decided to intervene on excise duties, managers went to the bank and had to settle the difference, more or less, making it objective even for gas station owners what had been announced. That system no longer exists, and the current situation is more complex and uncertain.

Impact on cross-border commuters

Cross-border commuters who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy could be influenced by fuel price fluctuations, especially if they use the car for daily commutes. Excise variations can affect the cost of fuel, making cross-border commuting between the two countries more expensive. Moreover, the uncertainties related to excise duties can influence the planning of family budgets, especially for those who have a diesel car, which is considered strategic for goods transport and has seen the biggest price increases.

What to do

Cross-border commuters can monitor excise variations and plan their fuel refueling accordingly. It is important to stay updated on government decisions and any extensions of excise cuts. Additionally, they can consider using alternative means of transport, such as the train or carpooling, to reduce fuel-related costs.

Useful Tools

For cross-border commuters who want to calculate the cost of fuel and plan their trips, they can use the fuel cost calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool allows you to calculate the cost of fuel based on the distance traveled and the type of vehicle used, helping to better plan family budgets.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Concrete actions

For cross-border workers who commute to Switzerland and live in Italy, fluctuations in fuel prices can have a significant impact on their daily budget. Here are some concrete actions they can take to manage this situation effectively:

Monitor excise duty variations

Cross-border workers should stay updated on the Italian government's decisions regarding excise duties on fuels. Variations in excise duties can influence the price of fuel at the pump, and knowing these changes in advance can help plan refueling more effectively.

Plan refueling

Based on excise duty variations, cross-border workers can plan their fuel refueling. For example, if excise duties have been cut, it may be convenient to refuel the tank before the cut is reintroduced. Conversely, if excise duties have been increased, it may be useful to wait until they are reduced again.

Use alternative means of transport

To reduce fuel-related costs, cross-border workers can consider using alternative means of transport, such as the train or carpooling. These options can be more economical and sustainable, especially for those who travel long distances daily.

Calculate the cost of fuel

To have an accurate estimate of fuel costs, cross-border workers can use the fuel cost calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool allows calculating the cost of fuel based on the distance traveled and the type of vehicle used, helping to plan family budgets better.

Compare pump prices

Cross-border workers can compare fuel prices at different service stations to find the most convenient offers. Using a fuel price comparator can help save on refueling.

Plan family budgets

Variations in excise duties can influence the cost of fuel and, consequently, the family budget. Cross-border workers should plan their budgets taking these variations into account and adjusting their expenses accordingly.

Use carpooling

Carpooling can be a convenient solution for cross-border workers who travel long distances daily. Sharing the journey with other cross-border workers can reduce fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear.

Monitor news and updates

Cross-border workers should monitor news and updates regarding excise duties on fuels to always be informed about any variations. This can help make more conscious decisions regarding fuel refueling and family budget planning.

Use the fuel price comparator

To find the most convenient offers, cross-border workers can use the fuel price comparator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool allows comparing fuel prices at different service stations, helping to save on refueling.

Source: varesenews.it