Why prices and costs will increase in Italy in 2026: transport, insurance and excise duties

👉 Although it may seem like a modest amount, on large quantities (e.g. companies importing small goods from abroad) the cost adds up and is also reflected in the final prices of the products sold to the consumer.

💱 4.3 Tobin Tax and Financial Transactions
The so-called Tobin Tax, which weighs on financial transactions, doubles from 0.2% to 0.4% in 2026.

👉 This can affect the costs of:

financial institutions;

investment funds;

market operators;

and indirectly affect bank fees, spreads and financial services offered to clients.

💡 5. Why these increases add up (and why they are seen more)
🔁 5.1 Combined effect of several measures
In isolation, a single increase (e.g. tolls or realignment of excise duties) might seem insignificant. But:

✔ the increases add up;
✔ they affect consumers and businesses at the same time;
✔ they impact direct and indirect costs of goods and services.

👉 This is why we talk about the combined effect: when fuel + policies + excise duties on consumer products + additional contributions increase, the picture becomes much heavier for the household budget.

🧠 6. The political and fiscal reasons behind the increases
🏛️ 6.1 State budget objectives
Italy is subject to European commitments to control the deficit and public debt. To fall within the parameters, the government:

• increases excise duties and taxes not directly visible in the inflation figure;
• Try to increase revenue without drastically reducing spending.

👉 This leads to higher indirect taxation, which is often reflected in the prices of everyday goods.

🟢 6.2 Combined environmental and fiscal choices
Some increases are not simple “taxes”, but are linked to public policy objectives, for example:

reduce the use of more polluting fuels (such as diesel);

discourage smoking;

Continue reading…