Energy, war and fiscal imbalances: Apulia produces, but does not benefit

The conflict in the Middle East risks having direct repercussions on Apulia’s economy. When international oil and gas prices rise, increases are quickly reflected in energy bills and, in turn, in retail prices. The concrete risk is yet another blow for businesses and households already dealing with market volatility.

The most significant issue, however, concerns the structure of Italy’s energy supply sector. Apulia is one of the regions with the largest energy surplus, producing around 10,000 gigawatt-hours more than it consumes, largely thanks to renewable sources. Despite this, from an economic and fiscal standpoint, the region retains very little of the value generated.

According to a study conducted by data analyst and journalist Davide Stasi, in 2025 Apulian electricity and gas supply companies generated just €727 million in revenue — only 0.3% of the national total, which amounts to nearly €251 billion. The gap highlights a clear structural imbalance.

The entire sector is heavily concentrated in just two regions: Lazio and Lombardy. Companies headquartered in Lazio generated more than €127 billion (51% of the total), while those based in Lombardy accounted for approximately €80 billion (32%). Altogether, 82% of the national turnover is concentrated in these two regions, even though energy production is spread across the country, particularly where photovoltaic, wind, hydroelectric and bioenergy plants are installed.

Following Lazio and Lombardy are Trentino-Alto Adige (€9.2 billion), Liguria (€6.5 billion), Veneto (€5.7 billion), Piedmont (€4.1 billion), Emilia-Romagna (€3.7 billion), Tuscany (€3.2 billion), Umbria (€2.5 billion), Campania (€1.7 billion), Valle d’Aosta (€1.5 billion), Marche (just over €1 billion), Friuli-Venezia Giulia (€994 million) and Sardinia (€799 million). Apulia ranks only 15th out of 20 regions.

The core issue is fiscal: taxes are paid where companies have their legal and administrative headquarters. This means that energy-producing territories such as Apulia do not proportionally benefit from the tax revenues generated by the sector. According to Stasi, this mechanism further fuels existing territorial inequalities.

Renewable energy production undoubtedly represents a major development opportunity. However, Stasi stresses that the primary beneficiaries should be local citizens and businesses — not only in environmental terms, but also economically. It is also crucial to strike a balance between expanding renewable energy infrastructure and protecting tourism, agriculture and the distinctive landscape identity of the region.

All these issues will be discussed live tomorrow, Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 2:30 PM, on Fast News Platform. Exclusive guest Davide Stasi will provide an in-depth analysis of the economic consequences of the Middle East conflict and its impact on Italy’s energy system, with a special focus on Apulia.

The live broadcast will be available on the platform’s official channels: