A temporary drop that doesn’t change the bigger picture
Despite a recent slight decrease, gas prices in Italy remain unsustainably high for businesses, especially SMEs, which already struggle with tight margins and increasing financial pressures. After reaching a two-year high of €58.76 per megawatt-hour (MWh), today’s price has dropped to €54.4, a decline of over €4. However, compared to €27.72/MWh in February 2024, the cost has nearly doubled, posing a serious challenge for Italy’s productive system.
The impact on small and medium-sized enterprises
For an SME with an average annual consumption of 1,000 MWh, this price hike results in a dramatic increase in operating costs. A year ago, their annual energy bill was around €27,720; today, the same company faces a cost of €54,400, an additional €26,000 per year. The situation is even worse for energy-intensive businesses, such as those in the manufacturing, food, and chemical industries, whose profit margins are shrinking, making it harder to compete in both domestic and international markets.
The danger of market volatility
While 2023 brought a temporary relief after the post-war energy crisis of 2022, which saw gas prices soar beyond €300/MWh, the recent surge confirms that the energy crisis is far from over. Unlike large corporations with long-term contracts, SMEs rely on short-term agreements, leaving them vulnerable to sudden price increases. This high-risk exposure limits their ability to plan investments and long-term strategies.
Unimpresa’s call for urgent measures
According to Unimpresa’s Research Center, the government and EU institutions must take urgent action to ease the energy burden on businesses. Suggested solutions include:
- Tax relief and incentives for companies most affected by the price surge;
- Energy diversification, reducing dependence on foreign supplies;
- Investments in renewables and self-production, stabilizing costs and improving sustainability.
“Without decisive action, energy costs will continue to stifle investment and slow economic recovery,” warns Unimpresa President Giovanna Ferrara.
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