Basics may be $1,400 more in Italy in '08

ROME, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A consumer rights group says the typical Italian household may spend at least $1,400 more in 2008 to cover essentials such as food, utilities and fuel.

And unless the government steps in, the group Codacons says many families will "find themselves on the verge of bankruptcy" because of the increased spending for life's basics, the Italian news agency ANSA reported Monday.

Codacons calculated the figure by adding roughly a $585 increase for food and beverages, and $470 for vehicle and heating fuels, ANSA said.

"Given all these additional costs, it is clear that the government must intervene to help families balance their budgets," said Carlo Rienzi, Codacons chief officer. "Without adequate measures to reduce these costs as well as those for other goods and services, thousands of families risk bankruptcy in the coming year."