Portugal gas prices nearly double Spain’s: Government to review pricing measures

Lisbon: Rising gas prices in Portugal have become a hot topic, with the cost of bottled gas now nearly double that in Spain.

In a bid to ease the pinch for consumers, the Government is set to sit down with the energy regulator, ERSE, and the Competition Authority (AdC) to see if setting a price cap might help.

At a recent session of the Environment and Energy Committee, Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho addressed concerns raised by MP Fabian Figueiredo about the steep price hikes. “The figures on the table simply compel us to take a closer look,” she explained. The goal is to dig into what makes these gas cylinders cost around €30 on average, and why they are so much more expensive here than in Spain.

In tandem with this review, the Government is also planning to give direct support to households feeling the strain. The popular Botija Solidária programme is set for an upgrade – support will be increased from €10 to €15, and the process is being streamlined to cut through red tape. Since launching in 2022, the programme has already reached over 215,000 beneficiaries with more than €2.15 million in aid, though there’s still around €1.4 million left unused. The hope is that these changes will make a real difference and bring support levels in line with those seen in Spain.

This review comes at a time when energy prices continue to bite into family budgets, especially after the turbulence caused by the Ukraine conflict. Last year, the Government even announced an extra €2.5 million boost to support the Botija Solidária programme for 2025. However, bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of clear information have dampened the scheme’s impact, as noted by consumer group Deco. Now, with talks underway, there’s cautious optimism that regulators and industry players will work together to strike a better balance between market dynamics and consumer protection.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on these discussions. If successful, this initiative could finally offer some much-needed relief for Portuguese households struggling with rising energy costs. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.