Italian government prepares fuel relief and addresses steel plant ruling

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened an emergency meeting following a court ruling requiring Taranto's ex-Ilva steel plant to eliminate asbestos hazards within 90 days or halt production. The government earmarked 100 million euros to address the industrial crisis.

Simultaneously, ministers are finalizing a decree to ease costs at the pump. The plan includes lowering excise duties by up to 24 cents per liter on diesel and six cents on gasoline, alongside targeted social card benefits for lower-income households. European Affairs Minister Raffaele Foti urged caution due to Middle East market volatility, while the relief measures signal upcoming pressure on autumn budget spending.

In political developments, Meloni publicly called on opposition Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein to apologize for previous insinuations regarding an intimidation attempt targeting journalist Sigfrido Ranucci.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero.