In the context of rising fuel prices driven by international crises, particularly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the Italian political landscape has revived the concept of mobile excise duties. This mechanism suggests that when fuel prices increase, the government benefits from higher VAT revenues, which should then be returned to consumers by reducing excises. This idea, recently proposed by the Democratic Party's secretary Elly Schlein, appears to be a straightforward and reasonable solution for the public discourse, garnering positive media attention and applause from the public.

However, the author, Osvaldo De Paolini, critiques this approach for being a mere demagogic shortcut that fails to adequately address the underlying issues faced by public finances. Instead of providing a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by fluctuating fuel prices and energy security, these mobile excise duties may merely serve as a temporary fix that does not consider the broader economic impacts. The repeated invocation of these duties over the last three decades suggests a pattern of superficial political responses to complex crises instead of deeper reform in energy policy.

Ultimately, while the call for reducing excises during times of soaring fuel prices may resonate with the public, it raises questions about the long-term viability of such measures. The author emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of energy dependency and the economic pressures faced by citizens, rather than relying on quick fixes that do not foster real change in energy policy and fiscal responsibility.