Italy has introduced measures to accelerate domestic oil and gas projects as the government seeks to strengthen energy security and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the measures on Thursday after a cabinet meeting, saying Italy should increase production at home rather than continue buying energy abroad when domestic resources are available.
Italy currently produces about 29 million barrels of crude oil a year, mainly in the southern region of Basilicata, as well as around 3 billion cubic metres of natural gas, according to official data.
The government said it would reduce delays in drilling permits by appointing special commissioners when local authorities fail to make decisions on applications within the required deadlines.
Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said the move was necessary because projects considered important to national energy security should not remain stalled for years because of administrative delays.
The decision comes as the U.S.-Iran war has disrupted energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route that previously carried about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Although the government had previously considered using special commissioners to speed up renewable energy projects, it has instead focused on increasing fossil fuel production as the conflict has pushed energy prices higher.
Italy remains highly dependent on natural gas, which accounts for almost half of its electricity generation, the highest share among European Union countries, making reliable gas supplies particularly important to the economy.
Meloni’s government has also extended temporary cuts in fuel excise duties to ease pressure on consumers, with the measures costing the state more than €2.6 billion ($3.02 billion), including tax breaks for truck drivers.
Italy’s fuel producers’ association UNEM expects the country to spend nearly €60 billion on energy imports in 2026, while companies including Eni, Shell and TotalEnergies continue to operate in its oil and gas sector.