Fuel price increases threaten Portuguese social support services

Rising fuel prices are threatening the operational stability of social support institutions in Portugal. The Comunidade Vida e Paz (CVP) reported an 11% increase in fuel costs compared to the same period last year, impacting its fleet of over 20 vehicles.

Renata Alves, Director-General of CVP, stated that the organization may be forced to reduce services and staff to ensure sustainability. The institution provides support to over 900 people through 22 social responses, including nightly outreach to 450–500 homeless individuals in Lisbon. To mitigate costs, CVP has already revised its four nightly circuits and reduced meal distributions in certain areas.

CVP relies on private and corporate donations rather than public funding for its nightly operations, which cost over 400,000 euros annually. While the organization is eligible for a maximum extraordinary fuel support of 600 euros, officials consider this amount insufficient. Similarly, the organization Refood is facing rising costs that could compromise food distribution to vulnerable families.