Business · Energy & Commodities · 9 hrs ago
Italian vulnerable customers face a 9.1% rise in October gas prices
Gas prices for Italy’s 2.3 million vulnerable customers rose 9.1% in October, according to energy regulator ARERA.
The increase reflects higher wholesale gas prices, which have been affected by geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz.
The rise puts the price of gas supply at €88.36 per megawatt-hour, which a consumer group called a record.
Consumer groups estimate annual gas bills could reach €1,945 from October 2026 to September 2027 if prices stay at the same level.
With electricity included, they estimate combined annual energy bills could total €2,814.
The wider European Union is entering the 2026-27 heating season with gas stocks at their lowest level since 2013, while Italy’s stores are 91% full.
The International Energy Agency says EU stocks could fall below 10% of capacity by the end of March 2027, potentially increasing pressure to refill them during the following summer.
Arera said gas prices for Italy’s vulnerable customers rose 9.1% in October, with the gas commodity price reaching €88.36 per megawatt-hour.
The increase affects about 2.3 million customers on the vulnerable-customer protection service.
Consumer groups estimate the rise will add about €163 to annual gas costs if prices remain unchanged for 12 months.
The annual gas bill for a typical vulnerable customer is estimated at €1,945 from October 2026 to September 2027.
The higher prices reflect rising wholesale gas prices, which have been sensitive to geopolitical tensions.
- Who
- About 2.3 million vulnerable gas customers in Italy. Similar increases are expected for customers with variable-price contracts in the open market.
- What
- October gas prices rose 9.1%, with the gas commodity price at €88.36 per megawatt-hour.
- When
- The increase applies to October 2026 consumption. Arera announced the update on November 3, 2026.
- Where
- Italy.
- Why
- Wholesale gas prices rose, reflecting market conditions and geopolitical tensions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Italian gas bills had already risen by 12.7%.
The gas price for vulnerable customers rose by 9.1% to €88.36 per megawatt-hour for the commodity.
Arera announced the October price update.
- Price increase
- 9.1% in October 2026
- Gas commodity price
- €88.36 per megawatt-hour
- Vulnerable customers
- About 2.3 million
- Estimated additional annual gas cost
- €163, assuming prices stay constant for 12 months
- Estimated annual gas bill
- €1,945 for October 2026 to September 2027
2 sources
What people are saying
When we import oil and gas, we risk importing the shocks and crises that come with them
Never has the price of gas, including taxes, been so high
a historic record, the highest ever
a new blow to consumers