# Rising consumer complaints in Portugal

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rising-consumer-complaints-in-portugal
> Updated: 2026-09-22T16:22:03.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Consumer complaints in Portugal have shown an upward trend throughout 2026. In the fuel sector, complaints rose by over 84% compared to the previous year, with 665 grievances recorded through August. These were primarily driven by dissatisfaction with loyalty programs, promotions, and unapplied discounts, which accounted for 40.15% of the sector's total complaints.

Broadening to the national level, total complaints via the Portal da Queixa reached 106,619 in the first half of 2026, representing a 1.6% increase from 2025. The number of brands targeted grew by 20.8%. Significant increases were noted in after-sales service issues, including an 82% surge in warranty refusals and a 63.7% rise in insurance claim decisions. Additionally, the rate of closed complaints ending without a resolution increased from 37.5% to 40.3%, while the median time to close a complaint rose from 29 to 31 days.

Recent data highlights sharp increases in digital services and private healthcare. According to ANACOM, complaints regarding digital services rose by 195% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Of the 121 complaints recorded, 68% related to the “suspension, restriction, or removal of accounts and content,” with Meta platforms accounting for over half of these grievances. 

In the healthcare sector, total complaints rose by 23% during the first nine months of 2026, reaching 4,700. Private sector complaints increased by 30%, making up 76% of all healthcare grievances. While clinical care is the primary issue, there was a 61% surge in complaints regarding health and wellness products. Within private hospitals, CUF, Lusíadas Saúde, Hospital da Luz, and Trofa Saúde collectively represent nearly 97% of complaints in their subcategory.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Portugal sees surge in digital service and private healthcare complaints

Portugal reports sharp rises in consumer complaints, with digital service grievances up 195% and private healthcare complaints increasing by 30% in the first nine months of 2026.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-sees-surge-in-digital-service-and-private-healthcare-complaints

### 2026-09-14: Portugal consumer complaints rise amid after-sales issues

Portuguese consumer complaints rose to over 106,000 in H1 2026, with significant increases in after-sales issues, warranty refusals, and insurance disputes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-consumer-complaints-rise-amid-after-sales-issues

### 2026-08-31: Portugal fuel sector sees 84% rise in consumer complaints

Fuel-related complaints in Portugal have risen 84% due to issues with discounts and loyalty programs, while experts clarify that driving in neutral actually increases fuel consumption.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-fuel-sector-sees-84-rise-in-consumer-complaints

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Cite as: Rising consumer complaints in Portugal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rising-consumer-complaints-in-portugal