Friday, September 25, 2026English edition
TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

Italy · Country watch

Diesel Prices Surge, Etna Eruption Disrupts Flights

Record diesel prices impact EU, while Etna eruption disrupts Catania flights, affecting logistics and travel in Italy.

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Italy are deteriorating due to record diesel prices affecting logistics and retail, and disruptions from Etna's eruption impacting travel. Additionally, potential Russian threats raise security concerns.

In this briefing Mount Etna · Catania–Fontanarossa Airport · Guido Crosetto · CIA · Giancarlo Giorgetti · Matteo Salvini · European Union

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

  • logistics
  • tourism

Etna eruption disrupts flights at Catania airport

a large passenger jet sitting on top of an airport tarmac
Arno Senoner / Unsplash

Mount Etna's eruption has led to a red alert due to a 4-kilometer-high ash cloud, affecting flights at Catania's Vincenzo Bellini Airport, according to Rai News and Virgilio Notizie. The volcanic activity has caused a medium-low tremor, but the airport remains operational despite the risk to flights. Authorities have issued a VONA red alert for aviation, indicating potential disruptions.

Impact Airlines and travelers face potential flight disruptions at Catania airport due to Etna's eruption.

Sources: Rai News ↗, Virgilio Notizie ↗

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

  • defence
  • public-sector

CIA warns Italy of potential Russian threats

The CIA has reportedly warned Italy about potential Russian threats, according to La Repubblica and Rai News. The alert, also concerning France and Spain, suggests possible provocations in the Mediterranean. However, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated there is no confirmation of such threats. The situation remains tense as the information comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

Impact Defence and public-sector entities in Italy are on alert due to potential Russian threats, impacting security measures.

Sources: La Repubblica ↗, Rai News ↗

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • energy
  • logistics
  • retail

Diesel prices hit record high in EU, Italy affected

Diesel prices have reached a historic high across the European Union, including Italy, according to Rai News and TGcom24. Italian fuel prices are slightly decreasing on local roads but continue to rise on highways. Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini have acknowledged the issue, with Giorgetti mentioning discussions on safeguard clauses. The price surge is attributed to international tensions affecting refining margins, as reported by La Stampa.

Impact Fuel importers and logistics companies face increased costs due to record diesel prices in Italy.

Sources: Rai News ↗, TGcom24 ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Italy

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

All Italy briefings →

The same day elsewhere