ROME, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The record high price of gasoline may further dismay crisis-hit Italians as they brace for tough months after the summer break, local media reported on Thursday.
The price of gasoline in the Mediterranean country has hit a new record high, passing the two-euro-per-liter (2.5-U.S. dollar) mark. In Tuscany, one of the most popular regions with tourists, gasoline prices peaked at 2.008 euros per liter.
According to Corriere della Sera newspaper, the current fuel price hovering above the "psychological threshold" of two euros per liter was a shock for millions of Italians struggling to survive, in the wake of budget cuts and tax hikes in their recession-hit country.
Local consumer groups estimated that the gasoline price hike meant an average Italian family would have pay an extra of 768 euros each year.
A statement from consumer group Codacons said there had been a "speculation" during the summer holidays, which will help oil companies gain additional 36 million euros in the upcoming weekend.
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