Italy has introduced emergency tax relief measures to combat surging fuel prices, including temporary excise duty cuts and EUR 110 million in tax credits for transport and fishing sectors. Decree Law No. 33, effective 19 March 2026, provides road haulage companies with credits covering increased diesel costs for March through May 2026, while fishing businesses can claim up to 20% relief on fuel expenses during the same period.
Italy’s Revenue Agency has introduced emergency tax relief measures to combat surging fuel prices, including temporary excise duty cuts and EUR 110 million in tax credits for transport and fishing sectors through Decree Law No. 33 on 18 March 2026.
The Decree Law No. 33, effective 19 March 2026, provides road haulage companies with credits covering increased diesel costs for March through May 2026, while fishing businesses can claim up to 20% relief on fuel expenses during the same period.
The government aims to prevent price speculation while providing relief to families and businesses.
The decree establishes a transparency mechanism requiring immediate pump price reductions when international crude oil prices fall. A temporary excise duty cut on gasoline, diesel, and LPG will apply for twenty days starting from the day following the decree’s publication.
Support for transport and fishing sectors
Road haulage tax credit
Transport companies can claim a tax credit covering the increased diesel costs for March, April, and May 2026, calculated against February prices set by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security. The scheme allocates EUR 100 million for 2026.
Eligible businesses must have Italian registered offices or permanent establishments and conduct transport activities under Article 24-ter of Legislative Decree No. 504/1995. The credit must be offset by the end of 2026 and doesn’t count toward income or IRAP taxable bases. It can combine with other incentives provided total support doesn’t exceed actual costs. Monthly diesel price updates will continue until 30 June 2026.
Fishing industry tax credit
Fishing businesses receive EUR 10 million in 2026 to offset fuel expenses. The credit covers up to 20% of diesel and gasoline costs for vessels during March, April, and May, based on VAT-excluded invoices. Similar to the transport credit, it can be offset by 31 December 2026 and doesn’t contribute to taxable income.
Both measures comply with European State aid regulations, with implementation details to be defined through ministerial decrees.
