Postponing the ban by a year is a sensible stopgap measure: the difference in environmental damage between Euro 5 and Euro 6 is minimal, whilst changing cars or extending journeys entails a tangible cost. European policy on emission limits still needs to be revised.

The company has announced that it has heeded the government’s appeal, which has resulted in price caps for a month at half of the petrol stations. Meloni: “Another important sign of support for Italian families.” However, the average price across the network remains above 2 euros per litre. 

With the deadline approaching, the government is leaning towards a new across-the-board cut in excise duties whilst awaiting the finalisation of targeted measures: there is no political agreement yet on who will benefit or how the costs will be covered. Over the last six months, blanket subsidies for diesel and petrol have cost 2 billion and 74.5 million euros