Autumn brings with it growth. Gas billsJust when Italian families are preparing to turn on the heating. According toEnergy Authority (ARERA), is the reference price of gas for the new general consumer. A 5.3 percent increase Compared to September, that brings the average annual costs to 1,284 euros. There is an increase. 64 euros per family. An increase that is part of a backdrop of growing concern for family budgets, which are already struggling with the trend in prices of goods and services.
Gas price hike: Expensive bills
Latest tariff update ofARERA The reference price of gas for the month of October has been set at 116.77 euro cents per cubic meter.
The increase is due to a combination of factors: Increase in wholesale gas prices, which has a direct impact on raw material costs; Addition of some components related to transportation and management of meters, which is reflected in the final bill.
Marco VignolaThe vice-president of the National Consumer Union pointed out how the rise in bills is timed with the onset of the thermal season, particularly affecting vulnerable consumers. This situation is not new as every year brings with it a change in climate. Increased energy costs.
However, the context in which growth occurs is strong. UnstableItalian families are already struggling with rising prices for basic necessities, with bills set to rise further after September.
Kodakons worried about winter: what to expect
Consumer associations, eg Kodacons And Assoutenti expressed concern over the current situation. In a note, it is highlighted that i Gas prices They are 20.5% higher than in October 2021. An increase that translates into a significant economic burden for Italian families.
Considering an average consumption of 1,100 cubic meters per year, families will find themselves spending significantly more on gas. Gas costs are 1,284 euros, and assuming constant prices, the adjustment will increase annual costs. 64 euros per family unit.
Moreover, the forecasts for the coming months are not reassuring. As winter approaches, the fall rush for gas supplies by various countries may lead to further increases in international prices, with direct implications for tariffs imposed on consumers. According to Codacons analysis, the tariff increase in October compared to last year is already significant, but there are fears that the situation could worsen, making the situation even worse for the most vulnerable consumers.
Vulnerable consumer situation
L’ARERA confirmed that despite the price increase, the price for these customers is still lower than what is available on the free market, but this only applies to a few isolated cases.
The most vulnerable users who fall into this. Weakness Wholesale gas prices are under pressure. For example, i October prices. They are 10% higher than in the same period last year, when the price of gas was 106.13 euro cents per cubic meter.
