Iniciativa Liberal criticizes Portuguese government over fuel price hikes

Mariana Leitão, leader of the Iniciativa Liberal (IL) party, has criticized the Portuguese government for failing to compensate citizens against rising fuel costs. Leitão argued that while the government claims it does not profit from these increases, it is also taking no effective action to mitigate the financial burden on the public.

Leitão noted that a proposal approved by the IL in May could have reduced fuel prices by 30 cents per liter, potentially saving citizens approximately 800 million euros over recent months. She dismissed recent measures introduced by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro as mere “palliatives,” citing insufficient tax relief as an example.

According to the Automóvel Clube de Portugal (ACP), fuel prices are set to rise next week, with diesel expected to increase by 8.5 cents and gasoline by 6.5 cents.