In the UK where I live now, electric and gas bills have been rising sharply with more increases predicted for this winter. Food and gasoline (petrol) prices are also rising at alarming rates, with no end in sight. I'm hoping to move to Italy soon with my family, and I was wondering if Italy is experiencing such an increase in prices as well.
Thanks for your help.

Yes, they're on the up here, too. It's worldwide.

I think you will find that Italy carries the most expensive prices in Europe for gas, eletricity, petrol and diesel. They have done for some time. Wait 'til you get your bills... they even add on the cost of the postage!!!
But in compensation their 'council tax' equivalent (ICI) is very generous when compared to the UK.

Bank charges are verging on 'criminal' and as for bank interest rates on accounts and savings? Well, how good is your sense of humour?
You're gonna need one!

My parent'S (UK) got a massive gas bill not long ago. Our enel (electric) is our biggie. It annoys me when we (me and parents) are both cautious with what we use but still we have to try harder to get it down.

Ps. Bit off topic but I just watched an episode of "Tonight" ITV called "Rip Off Britain" where it showed you how prices in the US for consumer goods/electricals were hundreds of pounds cheaper compared to the UK. It recommended to buy online and save hundreds without leaving your house.

I'm with Graeme- energy costs are skyrocketing world wide. Here's Gordon Brown apologizing for a recent 12% increase for electricity and 17% increase for gas:
"That is as a result of a 60 to 80 percent rise in coal, in gas, in electricity. That's a result of factors that are hitting every economy in the world," Brown said.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUKL0933370820080109

Oh well, I wasn't planning on getting rich by moving to Italy anyway. My son in America said costs are going up there, but not as sharply as in the UK, so I was wondering how Italy was faring. Here in the UK, Gordon Brown hasn't made the situation easier by his recent increase in tax on those making less than £18,000 per year, but that's another story.
Thanks for your help everyone