Gas Tariff Increase in 2025: Reasons, Figures and Who Will Be Affected

Prices are rising: new data from Arera

The beginning of 2025 has been marked by another increase in gas prices, which raises legitimate questions among consumers. According to the latest data from Arera (the Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment), the cost of natural gas for vulnerable customers in February 2025 reached 52.91 euros per megawatt-hour, equivalent to 56.6 cents per cubic meter. In terms of the average consumer, the price of one cubic meter of gas is 130.43 eurocents, which is 3% higher than in January. But what is behind this increase? Why do tariffs continue to increase, and who will suffer the most?

Why is gas becoming more expensive?

Consumer rights organization Altroconsumo notes that the upward trend in gas prices began in March 2024, when the cost of the energy resource was about 30 cents per cubic meter. At that time, many hoped for market stabilization, but the reality turned out to be different: a gradual increase in prices and an unexpectedly cold winter in 2024-2025 led to an additional jump in prices.

If we add transport costs, excise duties and value added tax (IVA) to the cost of the energy itself, the final price for vulnerable customers with a consumption of 1,100 cubic meters of gas per year is around €1.30 per cubic meter. This represents a 3% increase in costs compared to January, which is particularly noticeable for those who are already facing financial difficulties.

Who will suffer the most from the tariff increases?

The greatest burden will fall on vulnerable consumers who remain within the protected market system. These include:

• elderly people over 75 years of age;

• persons with disabilities;

• low-income families;

• recipients of social bonus;

• residents of emergency housing and remote islands not connected to the main grid.

In addition, the increase will affect free market customers with variable tariffs, whose contracts are directly dependent on fluctuations in the wholesale market. Thus, these consumers are most susceptible to changes in pricing policy.

What can be done to reduce costs?

To minimise the impact of price increases, consumers should pay attention to several key aspects:

• carefully analyze tariff plans and choose the most advantageous offers;

• optimize energy consumption through effective energy saving strategies;

• Monitor the terms of contracts to avoid unexpected changes in the cost of services.

Altroconsumo also calls for systemic measures from the state: a reduction in the value-added tax for gas and a revision of the structure of additional payments, as well as the introduction of new support mechanisms for socially vulnerable citizens.

Rising gas prices are not just dry statistics, but a reality that millions of families face. It is important not only to understand the reasons for the rise in prices, but also to know what steps you can take to protect your budget.