Fuel Tax Cut in Italy Fails to Lower Prices
The Italian government cut a tax on fuel. This tax is called excise duty. It is money the government adds to the price of fuel. The government cut this tax to help people pay less for petrol and diesel.
But the cut did not help. Prices went up again. The price cut disappeared. Now petrol and diesel cost more money, not less.
Some people are angry. They say the tax cut only helps rich people with big cars. One person said it helps "people who drive a Ferrari." A Ferrari is a very expensive car.
Businesses are also angry. They say the tax cut is not enough. Fuel prices are going up. This makes it hard for businesses to work and make money.
The government must now decide what to do next. They may make new plans when work starts again after the summer break. People want the government to help normal families, not just rich drivers.
Vocabulary5 words
- excise duty
- money added to the price of fuel by the government
- price cut
- when something becomes cheaper
- break
- time when people stop work to rest
- government
- the group of people who run a country
- fuel
- petrol or diesel used for cars
Quiz
Answer key
1. A tax on fuel 2. Prices went up again 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The Italian government cut a tax on _____. This tax is called excise duty. It is money the government adds to the price of fuel. The government cut this tax to help people pay _____ for petrol and diesel.
But the cut did not help. Prices went _____ again. The price cut disappeared. Now petrol and diesel cost more _____, not less.
Some people are angry. They say the tax cut only helps _____ people with big cars. One person said it helps "people who drive a _____."
Businesses are also angry. They say the tax cut is not _____. Fuel prices are going up. This makes it hard for businesses to _____.
The government must now decide what to do next. They may make new plans when work starts again after the summer _____.