Environment Minister warns of rising fuel use and urges savings

During a municipal ceremony in Soure, Coimbra, Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho reported a 4% to 6% rise in consumption of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel compared with the same period previously. She warned that despite the indicator not being alarming, the upward trend calls for greater personal and institutional energy savings. The government’s policy, she explained, focuses on reducing VAT on fuel taxes and channeling support to vulnerable sectors like agriculture, fishing, public transport, freight and emergency services.

Carvalho urged citizens to use public transport when possible, acknowledging that some situations require a car. She also confirmed that national jet-fuel strategic reserves have grown by more than 18% relative to the previous year and that the state is intensifying relations with key suppliers, including upcoming talks with Algeria and renewed contacts with Brazil, Nigeria and the United States.