Italy could be forced to allow the opening of more petrol stations on its road network.

Legal action is being threatened by the European Commission that would challenge restrictions imposed by Italian regulations on the siting of fuel retail outlets.

Italian regional rules set minimum distances between petrol stations, of between 200 metres and 15km; as well as minimum sizes (varying between 200 and 4,000 square metres); and sometimes requirements to offer additional non-fuel services. Brussels said the rules could hinder the entry onto the market of new operators, especially bigger petrol station chains.