Brussels, 27 July 2026
The European Commission has approved a €300 million Italian State aid scheme to support road transport companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.
The scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fuel prices resulting from the Middle East crisis. Compared to February 2026, diesel prices in Italy increased by 16.9% in March 2026, by 23.3% in April 2026 and by 18% in May 2026.
The aid will take the form of a tax credit, which may be used to offset any taxes that the company is required to pay to the government, for example income taxes, VAT, or social security contributions, by 31 December 2026. For beneficiaries active in the road transport sector established in Italy or with a registered office in Italy, the aid can cover up to 70% of the additional fuel costs resulting from the Middle East crisis for fuel purchased during the four-month period from March to June 2026. The scheme will run until 31 December 2026.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.2 of the METSAF. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget of €300 million and will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in the road transport sector.
The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Italian scheme under EU State aid rules.
More information on the METSAF can be found online. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.123830 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
Source – EU Commission