Draghi outlined measures to tackle rising energy prices

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi recently presented to the press the measures to deal with the increase in the price of electricity and gas.

“Direct support to businesses and households exceeds 5.5 billion euros, but there are also many indirect interventions,” said the Italian prime minister. In total, 8 billion euros will be allocated from the public sector, without increasing the country’s public deficit.

Among other things, the value added tax on gas bills is limited to 5%, the protection of 3.5 million low-income households will continue and Italy will try to increase domestic production of natural gas in the Adriatic Sea from 3 to 5 billion cubic meters per year.

At the same time, the procedures for photovoltaic installations will be simplified and incentives for the use of biofuels will be given. The companies that use natural gas will be supported with 500 million euros.

“We believe that the big energy producers should help the rest of the population to cope with the burden of rising energy prices. On how to do this, we are trying to find a solution,” said the Italian prime minister. Mario Draghi stressed that “the main goal is for the citizens not to lose their purchasing power”.

In connection with the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Italian technocratic prime minister confirmed that he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days, at the request of the latter.

“The important thing is that all NATO countries have adopted a firm stance, without any difference,” Draghi said.

He emphasized the need to focus on dialogue, and said that it was even more important now with the crisis over sanctions. ”

SOURCE: AMPE