# Portugal fuel price surges and political backlash > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-transport-price-changes > Updated: 2026-09-10T12:53:14.000Z. Sources: 141. Developments: 24. By early September 2026, fuel prices in Portugal reached critical levels, with diesel hitting a historic 2.169 euros per litre and gasoline experiencing its largest weekly increase since 2022. These surges triggered spontaneous protests, including honking demonstrations on Lisbon’s 25 de Abril Bridge and slow-moving vehicle operations near the Galp refinery in Sines. Political tension has escalated as the Socialist Party (PS) accused the state of profiting from the crisis. PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro claimed the government has gained over 1.048 billion euros from increased fuel taxes since April 2024. The PS has proposed reducing fuel costs by 17 cents per litre by lowering VAT from 23% to 13%, a measure previously rejected by other political blocs. In response to volatility and Middle East conflicts, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro reinforced the Fuel Products Tax (ISP) discount to approximately 23 cents per litre. On September 10, the government implemented a support package worth an estimated €1.3 billion, primarily utilizing additional VAT revenue generated by higher pump prices to fund these ISP reductions. Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho defended the policy in Parliament, stating that Portugal will not implement broader fuel tax cuts similar to those seen in Spain, as tax revenue is essential for funding the National Health Service (SNS) and education. Instead, the government is targeting aid toward specific sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, freight transport, taxis, and firefighters. Despite these measures, opposition leaders argue the current structure still places a disproportionate burden on families. ## Claims - The average advisory price for Euro95 gasoline reached 2.712 euros per liter. (disputed by 7 sources) - The advisory price for diesel remained stable at 2.681 euros per liter. (disputed by 5 sources) - Portuguese diesel prices are forecast to increase by 14 cents and petrol by 7 cents. (disputed by 2 sources) - Diesel prices are expected to increase by approximately 10 cents per liter. (disputed) - 95 octane gasoline is expected to increase by 9 cents per liter. (disputed) - The Portuguese Government approved a temporary solidarity contribution on the petroleum sector (CSTSP). (corroborated by 10 sources) - The contribution taxes the part of oil and refining companies’ profits that exceeds the average of the two previous years for profits recorded in 2026. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Revenue from the contribution will be used to support families and vulnerable sectors affected by fuel price increases and to fund energy‑efficiency and decarbonisation investments. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The tax revives a 2022 EU‑wide “windfall tax” that imposed a 33 % rate on excess profits of fossil‑fuel companies after the Ukraine war energy crisis. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Portuguese Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento and his German, Spanish, Italian and Austrian counterparts asked the European Commission to develop a similar contribution instrument. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The current Euro95 price is over six cents higher than the previous record set in early May. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Portuguese motorists will pay more than 44 cêntimos per litre of diesel starting Monday. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Portugal implements €1.3 billion fuel support package Portugal is using a €1.3 billion support package to provide a 23-cent per liter fuel discount via ISP tax reductions, prioritizing public service funding over broader tax cuts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-implements-13-billion-fuel-support-package ### 2026-09-06: Portugal faces fuel price surges and political backlash Portugal faces rising fuel prices and public protests as diesel hits record highs. The Socialist Party accuses the government of profiting from increased fuel taxes despite recent tax relief measures. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-fuel-prices-see-significant-weekly-increases ### 2026-09-04: Global energy markets surge amid US-Iran tensions and tanker attacks Rising US-Iran tensions and attacks on Iranian oil tankers have spiked global energy prices, driving diesel to historic highs in the US and gasoline prices above 2.70 euros in the Netherlands. 64 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-fuel-prices-set-to-rise-amid-global-oil-market-volatility ### 2026-08-24: ERSE reports increase in efficient fuel prices in Portugal ERSE reports an increase in efficient fuel prices for the week of August 24-30, with gasoline rising to 2.021 euros/liter and diesel to 2.115 euros/liter due to higher international refined fuel costs. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erse-reports-increase-in-efficient-fuel-prices-in-portugal ### 2026-08-21: Fuel prices rise in Portugal and Brazil amid market shifts Fuel prices are rising in Portugal due to Middle East tensions affecting global trade, while Brazil's Clara Camarão refinery reports a 53% year-to-date increase in gasoline costs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fuel-prices-rise-in-portugal-and-brazil-amid-market-shifts ### 2026-08-17: Fuel prices in Portugal rise amid international market shifts Fuel prices in Portugal rose this week, with gasoline up 3.8% and diesel up 4.0% due to international market fluctuations. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fuel-prices-in-portugal-rise-amid-international-market-shifts ### 2026-08-14: Portugal fuel prices expected to rise amid government tax adjustments Fuel prices in Portugal are projected to rise next week, with diesel and gasoline expected to increase by roughly 10 and 9 cents respectively, despite government adjustments to ISP tax discounts. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-fuel-prices-expected-to-rise-amid-regulatory-calls-for-transparency ### 2026-08-10: Fuel prices in Portugal decrease amid falling international costs Fuel prices in Portugal are falling, with gasoline at 1.912 euros and diesel at 2.021 euros per liter, though government adjustments to ISP tax discounts have limited the total savings for consumers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fuel-prices-in-portugal-decrease-amid-falling-international-costs ### 2026-08-06: Portugal fuel prices set to fall sharply as Brent oil steadies Portugal's fuel prices, which stayed high despite Brent at $79, are set to drop sharply next week, signaling possible reduced crude demand. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-fuel-prices-set-to-fall-sharply-as-brent-oil-steadies ### 2026-08-03: Portugal fuel price index: gasoline down, diesel up Portugal's ERSE reports gasoline fell 0.7% to €1.99/L while diesel rose 1.3% to €2.12/L for the week of Aug 3‑9; modest weekly changes keep both fuels above €2 per litre. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-fuel-price-index-gasoline-down-diesel-up ### 2026-07-31: Portugal fuel prices surge as GALP profits drive higher costs Portugal's fuel price surge is linked to GALP's high profit margins, not taxes, while Madeira's diesel rose €0.284 l⁻¹ over three weeks, not the rumored €0.40. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-fuel-prices-surge-as-galp-profits-drive-higher-costs ### 2026-07-30: Portugal adopts temporary solidarity tax on petroleum firms' excess profits Portugal approved a temporary 2026 tax on petroleum firms' excess profits, directing proceeds to household aid and green investment; the move echoes a 2022 EU windfall tax and follows Galp's €812 million profit 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-adopts-temporary-tax-on-oil-firms-extraordinary-profits ### 2026-07-27: Azores fuel prices fall in August as gasoline and diesel costs are cut Azores gasoline fell €0.016/L to €1.816 and diesel €0.031/L to €1.722 in August, marking the third month of price cuts after earlier ISP tax reductions. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/azores-fuel-prices-fall-in-august-as-gasoline-and-diesel-costs-are-cut ### 2026-07-26: Portugal confronts fuel price surge and ministerial scandal Portugal raises fuel taxes, adding >30 cents/litre to gasoline and >44 cents to diesel, sparking PS criticism and a call to cut VAT. The state recovers most extra VAT via ISP discounts. Interior Minister Luís N 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portuguese-socialist-leader-jos-lus-carneiro-blames-government-for-profiting-from-fuel-price-rise ### 2026-07-17: Portugal's Left Bloc Calls for Nationwide Price Controls Bloco de Esquerda leader José Manuel Pureza urged nationwide price controls on essential goods in Portugal, citing the cost‑of‑living crisis and disparities between most citizens and a wealthy elite. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugals-left-bloc-calls-for-nationwide-price-controls ### 2026-07-17: Portugal and France hit by sharp fuel price hikes Portugal and France see steep fuel price hikes, with diesel near €2/L, while German groups warn of added costs and policy challenges. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-fuel-price-surge-prompts-calls-for-relief-and-tax-measures ### 2026-07-16: Portugal's ERSE to Conduct Detailed Fuel‑Price Study After Minister's Request Portugal's energy regulator ERSE will study fuel prices after Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho's request, though the fuel industry says the task duplicates existing monitoring and any margin caps remain remote. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugals-erse-to-conduct-detailed-fuelprice-study-after-ministers-request ### 2026-07-13: Portugal diesel prices stay above regulator reference as 'rocket‑plume' effect fuels rise Portugal’s diesel price stays above ERSE’s reference for six weeks, rising 7 cents, while the ‘rocket‑plume’ effect slows price drops; the government is reviewing the trend. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-diesel-prices-stay-above-regulator-reference-as-rocketplume-effect-fuels-rise ### 2026-07-11: Portugal's Government Criticised Over Fuel Tax Increases Amid Cost‑of‑Living Crisis Portugal's PS party alleges Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's government raised fuel taxes to profit from inflation, worsening the cost‑of‑living crisis. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugals-government-criticised-over-fuel-tax-increases-amid-costofliving-crisis ### 2026-07-09: Portugal diesel and gasoline prices set to rise in July amid Middle East tensions Portugal diesel will rise 7 cents to €1.863/L and gasoline about 3 cents to €1.92/L on 13 July, driven by Middle‑East tensions and possible ISP tax adjustments. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-to-raise-diesel-and-gasoline-prices-next-week ### 2026-07-04: Portugal and Philippines announce modest fuel price hikes Portugal expects diesel +3 cents/L and petrol +2 cents/L, while the Philippines may see diesel up ₱3/L and gasoline fluctuate by ₱1/L. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-and-philippines-announce-modest-fuel-price-hikes ### 2026-06-18: Portugal to cut fuel prices as ISP discount reduced Portugal will reduce the ISP fuel discount, leading to a 5‑11 cent per litre drop in gasoline and diesel as Middle‑East peace eases oil prices. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fuel-prices-dip-in-brazil-and-portugal-amid-falling-global-oil-rates ### 2026-06-14: Portugal diesel price falls while gasoline rises in weekly update In Portugal, diesel is set to fall 3 cents/litre and gasoline rise 1 cent/litre next week, with average prices at €1.86 and €1.928 respectively; price swings remain below the government’s tax‑compensation limit 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-diesel-price-falls-while-gasoline-rises-in-weekly-update ### 2026-06-04: Portugal diesel price expected to rise by up to 5 cents per litre Diesel in Portugal is forecast to rise 4‑5 cents per litre to €1.90/l, while petrol may fall 1 cent to €1.918/l in the week of 8‑14 June. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-diesel-price-expected-to-rise-by-up-to-5-cents-per-litre --- Cite as: Portugal fuel price surges and political backlash. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-transport-price-changes