Italy May Extend Fuel Excise Cut

Italy plans to possibly extend its fuel excise duty cut beyond May 1, with a focus on greater diesel relief.
The government has already spent about €700 million on a 40‑day fuel tax reduction and earmarked nearly €1 billion for hiring incentives.
Minister Giorgia Meloni urged the EU Commission to use defence‑related budget flexibility to ease energy costs amid supply risks from the US‑Israeli‑Iran conflict.
EU's national escape clause allows deficit increases up to 1.5% of GDP for defence spending between 2025 and 2028.