The methane sting comes suddenly, with prices doubled within 24 hours. If it used to cost around 1 euro, now it travels around 2 euro per kilo. Result: incredulous and angry motorists – there are those who took it out on the gas station attendant – but also with the lighter wallet. “Until yesterday (Thursday, ed) I spent 17 euros, today 31. Something is wrong”, reads a post circulated on Facebook on Friday and has already gone viral. But the increase does not concern all distributors: some continue to sell methane at just over one euro per kilo. While others were forced to double the price overnight. “No speculation. The cost of raw materials has skyrocketed ”, assures Angelo Pizzaferri, one of the managers who raised the price of methane.
Perfect storm
That the cost of raw materials (not just fuel) has skyrocketed is there for all to see. But this is not enough to explain the patchy price increases. It is necessary to keep in mind the contracts of the various operators with the suppliers of methane: in recent months the cost of fuel has increased considerably and the increase has immediately fallen on those pumps where the supply contract has expired. If until a few days ago the old annual contract kept prices low – as it applied the cost fixed when the raw material was much cheaper – now the new supplies must be paid taking into account the new prices, much less advantageous, set by the market. energetic. In short, a perfect storm, which has the effect of lightening the pockets of all those motorists who until now refueled with one of the cheapest fuels. «The difference in prices between the various stations depends on when the contracts with the supplier expired. We have now expired, so we are forced to charge prices around two euros per kilo. If there are no reductions upstream, from here to December everyone will align with current values. We will see if, from March, there can be reductions ». Pizzaferri’s forecast is a cold shower, because it foresees a generalized rise in prices and no longer patchy.
The price map
Between Parma and the province there are 27 methane distributors and the price trend is all up and down. They range from 1.999 to 0.979, as can be seen in the Ministry of Economic Development’s “Osservapprice fuel”, the portal where the operators themselves are required to report any price changes. At the moment, in six stations the price fluctuates between 1,999 and 1,899, but others will follow with increases. “Another six or seven stations will see the supply contract expire by December and therefore will be forced to increase prices”.
Eye to the index
«The reference index of gas is called Ttf. On average, it was around 20 euros per megawatt hour. The average for September was above 65, while now we have reached 91. With these values it makes no sense to make a contract at an annual fixed price. Now it is better to pay month by month, following the variable price, hoping for a reduction after the winter », suggests Pizzaferri.
Meanwhile, the stations that have raised the cost of methane have been overwhelmed by complaints. “The price increases do not depend on us, who are now working without margin,” he assures. Some managers suggest a 5% VAT cut to reduce costs (the government did it for the bill). In the meantime, all that remains is to put but no to the wallet.
Pierluigi Dallapina
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