Price of CNG in Italy

The price of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Italy remains a key element in the energy transition and sustainable mobility. In 2025, the average cost stands between €1.30 and €1.70 per kilogram, with marked differences depending on region, operator and the density of refuelling stations.

Major CNG suppliers in Italy, such as ENI, Q8, IP and Esso, apply differentiated tariffs based on logistics, proximity to main gas pipelines and local competition. Northern regions — Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Piedmont — concentrate the highest density of stations and typically record the most competitive prices.

By contrast, the south and the islands show higher prices due to lower infrastructure, dependence on maritime routes and higher transport costs. Cities such as Milan, Bologna, Verona or Turin display a lower average, while Palermo, Cagliari or Bari fall into the higher range. This territorial diversity reflects Italy's energy structure, which is heavily dependent on gas imports and regional storage capacity.

During the 2010s, CNG consolidated as one of the country's most economical fuels, with stable prices and growing demand from urban fleets, commercial vehicles and private users. The European energy crisis of 2021 changed this scenario: natural gas costs surged and in 2022 some stations reached values above €2.50/kg.

The reduction of Russian supply, volatility in the TTF market and pressure on strategic reserves created a highly unstable environment. Since 2023, diversification of suppliers and increased imports from Algeria and Azerbaijan, together with recovery of storage, have allowed a gradual moderation of prices, although current levels remain above pre-crisis figures.

Demand for CNG vehicles has declined due to fewer model offerings from manufacturers and the rise of electrification. The introduction of biomethane into the network has partially helped stabilize the market, although its impact remains limited in terms of volume and territorial distribution.

The evolution of CNG prices in Italy also depends on internal factors such as stations' ability to maintain stable supply contracts and the availability of compression infrastructure. In regions with a higher density of stations, competition has partially cushioned price increases, while in areas with fewer options volatility has been more pronounced.

The progressive digitalization of the sector, with platforms that monitor prices in real time, has improved transparency and allows consumers to locate the most competitive CNG stations, although regional differences remain significant.

Forecasts point to a relative stability in CNG prices in the coming years, conditioned by the evolution of the European gas market and the implementation of the new EU regulatory framework. Directive (EU) 2024/1788 and Regulation (EU) 2024/1789 establish an integrated system for natural gas, renewable gas and hydrogen, which could improve supply efficiency and favour the expansion of biomethane.

Italy, one of the countries with the greatest potential for agricultural biomethane, plans to increase capacity up to 2030, which could reduce dependence on fossil gas and moderate prices. In the medium term, the transition to renewable hydrogen and synthetic fuels could displace part of CNG's role, especially in heavy transport, although CNG will remain relevant as a transitional fuel for urban fleets, municipal services and commercial vehicles.

The development of hydrogen infrastructure, driven by EU funds and the REPowerEU strategy, could change the market balance. However, hydrogen deployment in light transport will be gradual, allowing CNG to maintain its presence for at least another decade. Price evolution will also depend on Italy's ability to secure stable supply contracts, diversify sources and increase domestic biomethane production.

The Italian government has maintained incentives to promote alternative fuels, including CNG. The Ecobonus 2024 reactivated grants for converting vehicles to CNG, with subsidies of up to €800 for passenger cars Euro 4 or higher. Although these aids do not directly lower fuel prices, they help sustain demand and keep the station network operational.

At the same time, Italy promotes specific support for renewable hydrogen under the REPowerEU framework, with investments aimed at logistic corridors, electrolyzers and refuelling stations. Regions have also developed their own programs, such as incentives for installing refuelling points in industrial areas or grants for renewing municipal fleets with CNG or biomethane vehicles.

Italy continues to modernize and expand its CNG network, with special attention to integrating biomethane. Snam, the main gas infrastructure operator, is driving projects to increase biomethane injection capacity and improve transport efficiency. Northern regions lead the expansion, strengthening logistics and reducing operating costs.

The price of CNG in Italy remains among the most competitive in Europe, with strong regional differences, an evolution shaped by the energy crisis and a future conditioned by biomethane.