Italiana Petroli will introduce price caps across its retail distribution network following a similar move by Eni, responding to government appeals to curb soaring fuel costs amid persistent geopolitical instability. The state-backed Azerbaijani company Socar, which acquired the network in May, announced the rollout starting September 27, 2026.
State-backed Azerbaijani energy company Socar has announced it will introduce a price ceiling on petrol and diesel across the Italiana Petroli distribution network. The decision follows a similar cap announced by Eni just 48 hours prior, marking a significant expansion of retail price controls that encompasses 40% of all service stations spread across the Italian territory, according to the daily newspaper Libero.
Socar Agrees to Government Appeals for Fuel Price Caps
The move by Socar directly answers an appeal from the Italian government for energy operators to ease the burden on consumers and businesses grappling with high fuel prices driven by geopolitical supply chain disruptions lasting for over six months, as noted by Il Sole 24 Ore. Socar acquired Italiana Petroli from API Holding on May 8. According to corporate statements, the company structured the intervention to protect the broader supply chain.
Photo: dire.it
“The value of the prices will be established according to different needs to guarantee the survival of the supply chain, consisting of thousands of operators.”
The price limits will be applied progressively, beginning with stations operating under the IP brand. Company officials indicated they are examining mechanisms to extend the price controls to Esso-branded stations and other supply chain operators that source their fuel through IP. The price caps apply exclusively to retail distribution, leaving independent stations, the agricultural sector, fishing, and heavy transport outside the benefit, while the diesel tax discount has simultaneously been halved from 12.2 to 6.1 cents per liter.
“After Eni, also IP has chosen to limit the price of fuels across the entire national territory. It is an important signal of attention to Italian families that confirms that it is possible to contribute concretely to containing expensive fuel. I wish to thank for this the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, for the signal of attention that strengthens our cooperation, and the president of Socar, Rovshan Najaf.”
Photo: Il Sole 24 ORE
Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani noted that he had requested the measure directly from Socar President Rovshan Najaf at the beginning of September. Tajani emphasized on X that the company adopted the policy voluntarily as a contribution rather than through government mandates, new taxes, or top-down impositions, asserting that Forza Italia was right. Meanwhile, ANSA reports that opposition parties criticized the administration by arguing that Eni accomplished what the government failed to do, while the left responded to the developments by relaunching proposals for a wealth tax, according to Libero.
While the administration lauds the voluntary caps, professional drivers dependent on daily road travel remain vocal about broader financial pressures. Representatives for taxi drivers, freight transporters, and commercial agents argue that fuel costs represent only one component of systemic sector challenges. Transport unions and Unica Taxi, along with Filt Cgil and Uil, warned that the situation has become unsustainable and that service halts or strikes are inevitable if officials do not address their demands for direct convention and emergency support.
Corporate Expansion and Institutional Partnerships in Italy
Alongside its domestic fuel market commitments, Socar formalized a commercial partnership with Italian sports administration. The energy conglomerate secured an agreement with the Italian Football Federation to serve as the global energy partner for both men’s and women’s national teams. The sponsorship agreement runs from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2030, with an option for a two-year extension through 2032.
CARBURANTI, DESCALZI tende la mano a MELONI e blocca i prezzi di ENI
