Portugal's Government Criticised Over Fuel Tax Increases Amid Cost‑of‑Living Crisis

Portugal's ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, was accused by the Socialist Party (PS) of turning a geopolitical crisis into a fiscal opportunity. PS member André Moz Caldas said the government "transformou uma crise geopolítica numa oportunidade fiscal" and claimed it is "ganhando dinheiro com a inflação" by keeping fuel taxes high. The opposition noted that taxes on gasoline and diesel have risen by about 6.2 cents and 9.7 cents per litre respectively since the government took office in 2024, worsening the cost‑of‑living pressure on Portuguese households.

The criticism forms part of a broader debate on the state of the nation, where the government faces complaints on education, health, housing and living costs. The PS warned it may revive parliamentary initiatives on fuel tax cuts if the government does not respond to the rising expenses faced by citizens.