Carregal do Sal firefighters warn of rising diesel costs

The Volunteer Firefighters Association of Carregal do Sal has expressed deep concern regarding rising diesel prices and their impact on the institution's financial sustainability. The association reports that diesel prices have increased by approximately 33.7% since the start of the conflict, rising from roughly 1.60 euros to 2.139 euros per liter.

With a further increase of 14.5 cents per liter anticipated, the total cumulative increase could reach 42.8%. Based on the association's 2025 vehicle mileage of 410,595 kilometers, this price surge could result in an additional annual cost of up to 28,000 euros. The association also manages non-urgent patient transport, covering about 6,500 kilometers monthly, which creates a permanent dependency on fuel.

In response, the association activated an Energy Crisis Contingency Plan on April 1, 2026, to implement measures for rationalization and expense containment while ensuring emergency and medical transport vehicles remain operational.