Italy Sets a Price Cap on Pasta 🍝🇮🇹

Next year, Rome will once again host a Holy Year, as it does every 25 years. Under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” people from all over the world are expected to visit, likely setting new tourism records in the “Eternal City.” Toprevent local restaurants from exploiting the situation by drastically raising prices, consumer protection groups have proposed a price cap to the Roman city council, called the “Carbonara Pact.” This initiative aims to ensure that a selection of traditional dishes remains available at affordable prices, with a maximum of €12 (aprox. $12.70) per portion.

The focus is on these classic dishes:

• Pasta Carbonara

• Pasta all’Amatriciana

• Pasta Cacio e Pepe

Pizzerias would also be included in the price cap. Restaurants participating in the initiative would display a special sticker or logo, making it clear to tourists where they can enjoy these meals at the set prices.

However, the initiative raises some concerns. Many restaurant owners have already struggled during the COVID years and with subsequent high inflation. Should their pricing flexibility be restricted further? And how will it be ensured that portion sizes aren’t simply reduced to offset the cap?