Energy bills up to 50% higher for some businesses. After fuel prices, electricity and gas are once again weighing heavily on company budgets, with particularly significant effects for hotels, restaurants, bars and public venues.
According to estimates by Confesercenti, compiled with the Innova Group, energy spending in the retail, food service and hospitality sectors rose nationwide by around 870 million euros between June and August compared to the summer of 2025: 700 million euros for electricity and 170 million for gas.
The situation is also directly affecting the Rimini area, where heat, air conditioning and refrigeration have further driven up consumption. The single national electricity price rose by more than 30%, while in several sectors bills increased by over 40%, with peaks close to 50% for restaurants and hotels.
“Businesses are facing rising energy costs at the very moment when they are already dealing with shrinking margins,” said Fabrizio Vagnini, president of Confesercenti Rimini.
The autumn ahead is also a cause for concern, after summer gas prices rose by more than 30% compared to 2025. Confesercenti is therefore calling for action on system charges and taxation on energy bills, warning that further increases could ultimately be passed on to final prices.
