Aree

The indicator quantifies fuel consumption in the transport sector, with the aim of reducing and/or diversifying it. Energy consumption in the transport sector has shown a rising trend since the 1990s, followed by a decline starting in 2007. A recovery in consumption was observed in 2018 and 2019, while the sharp reduction in 2020 is attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed by a rebound in 2021 and a further increase in 2022 and 2023.

This indicator monitors the development of transport infrastructure networks. Between 1990 and 2022, 1,373 km of new motorways were constructed in Italy (+22.2%). As of 2022, Italy ranks eighth in the world for operational high-speed rail network length, according to the International Union of Railways (UIC).

The indicator measures the size of the vehicle fleet, which represents a major factor contributing to environmental pressure. According to Eurostat, Italy has the highest vehicle fleet among EU countries in relation to population. In 2022, the number of passenger cars per thousand inhabitants was 682, exceeded only by Liechtenstein and Iceland.