Modena, September 8, 2026 – The holidays are almost over and for the people of Modena, returning home promises to be marked by a real economic blow. “According to the latest estimates and surveys, in fact, the upcoming autumn will be characterized by a strong increase in the cost of living – says Antonio Rachele, Regional Commissioner of Udicon – Between high fuel prices, rising energy tariffs, the surge in grocery bills, and the costs of school supplies, the erosion of purchasing power risks bringing thousands of families to their knees.
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A worrying picture
The numbers outline a worrying picture: for fuels, the Mimit observatory reports constantly rising price lists, with Nomisma Energia estimating widespread price increases for September and an annual expense for gasoline and diesel higher by as much as 356 euros per family compared to 2025. The energy front is no better: annual projections indicate a potential increase of 110 euros for electricity and 347 euros for gas. This domino effect inevitably spills over onto food expenses, where logistics, irrigation, and fertilizer costs are inflating the prices of essential goods (with estimated increases up to 70 euros per month per family), and on schooling, where the purchase of textbooks and school supplies will far exceed 500 euros per student.
The Udicon handbook
To contain this scenario, the Modena branch of Udicon has developed a handbook of practical advice for each macro-area, designed to help consumers optimize expenses and reduce waste. “We are facing an autumn that risks turning into an early economic winter for many families in Modena – continues Antonio Rachele – The data emerging these days in the media confirm that price increases spare no essential item in the family budget: transport, food, school, and energy are primary goods and services that no one can give up. As an association that protects consumers, we wanted to launch this handbook not as a definitive solution, but as a toolbox to help families defend themselves daily.”
Significant expense for purchasing school books
For many families, there is also a significant expense for purchasing textbooks. An entire cycle of lower secondary school costs on average around 600 euros, while for high school it exceeds 1,200 euros. A necessary expense that has become increasingly heavy over the years: in the last decade, the prices of school books have risen by over 25%.
