We leave for Sicily in a week and will have a rental car for most of our stay (2+ weeks).I realize it's difficult to predict, but I'm getting a little concerned about the availability of gas with this present situation with Iran. If any residents have any insight I would welcome it.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17551 posts
I'm sure there will be gasoline available. I'm old enough to remember that gasoline was always available even in 1973, during the OPEC oil embargo. Prices were through the roof, but never a line at the gas station like in the US, where Nixon imposed price controls. That's the beauty of the free market and the price system. The cost of gasoline tripled in a matter of days, but nobody had to wait in line, of course you needed half of your weekly salary for a full tank, but there was plenty available
Posted by
OP
Florida
65 posts
Thank you, Roberto. I, too remember 1973 and the oil embargo. And it’s good to hear Italy didn’t experience what we did in the US back then. We figure we will be driving about 700-800 KM and we’ll just keep filling up every chance we can. We are going to enjoy this trip regardless!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17551 posts
As of today, 3.9.2026, the average price of gasoline in Sicily is 1.81€ per liter (about $8 per gallon). That is for self service station, add about 20cents more for full serve price (or even more on the toll freeways, where prices are generally higher). Diesel fuel, which used to be cheaper in Italy, is now about 10% more than gasoline since January 1. That is because the Italian government, starting the beginning of the year, no longer applies a lower fuel tax to diesel fuel, therefore diesel is no longer the great deal it used to be.
It might seem like a lot per gallon, but for a total of 800 km (500 miles), that will not be much more than $130 for the whole trip, so probably less than one hotel night at any hotel you will stay. Go ahead and enjoy your driving trip.