Italy's energy import cost to double to 100 billion euros

ROME, Italy: Italy's economy minister, Daniele Franco, said this week that the country's net energy import costs will more than double this year to nearly 100 billion euros ($99.5 billion).

The government in Rome cannot spend indefinitely to cushion the blow on the economy, he added, while addressing the annual Ambrosetti business forum.

As Italy relies on imports for three-quarters of its power consumpti