Amid a general escalation in energy prices across Europe, which is set to affect the whole of the EU, the inhabitants of the Italian region of Basilicata will get a break on their next gas bills. The local government has reached an agreement with the companies Eni, Total and Shell to offer 160 million cubic metres of free gas per year until 2029 as environmental compensation for oil extraction activity in the area. Some 110,000 families will see their bills reduced by at least half.
Households in Basilicata will only have to pay for the costs related to transport and services, and the services included in the gas bill. But consumption will be free. This is the agreement reached by the region's governor, Vito Bardi, with the three big oil companies, which extract oil and gas between the provinces of Matera and Potenza.
This is a controversial measure in the midst of the current crisis situation caused by the war in Ukraine, and the proximity of the next elections in Italy, after the departure of Mario Draghi's government on 25th September.
The politician spoke of "environmental compensation" for industrial activity, at a time of great uncertainty in Italy, with the arrival of lower temperatures, and the concern of political parties and civil society about the exploitation of these resources in Europe, unaccustomed to such exploitation.
Basilicata is known as the "Texas of Italy", home to the largest oil and gas reserves not only in Italy but in the whole European continent.
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