Sines fuel price protest causes major traffic delays

Automobilists in Portugal have launched a slow march protest against rising fuel prices, targeting the access roads to the Galp refinery in Sines. The demonstration, which began on the morning of September 7, involved convoys of vehicles departing from various locations including Grândola, Santiago do Cacém, and Vila Nova de Santo André.

The protest caused significant traffic disruptions, with queues reaching between 10 and 15 kilometers on the IC33 highway between Grândola and Sines. Other affected routes included the EN120, the A26 motorway, and the stretch connecting Santiago do Cacém to Sines. The National Republican Guard (GNR) provided escorts for some of the groups.

Organizers, including businessman Ruben Marques, stated that the protest is intended to last at least 24 hours. They are demanding that the government reduce fuel prices to a fair level, specifically targeting a range of 1.60 to 1.65 euros. Protesters argued that high fuel costs have a direct impact on the cost of living, affecting food, gas, medicine, and transportation.