Firefighters' union urges lower fuel costs and updated patient transport fees
The Guarda district firefighters' federation is pressing for reduced fuel prices and a revised fee schedule for non-urgent patient transport to offset rising operational costs.
The Federação de Bombeiros do Distrito da Guarda (FBDG) has formally requested that the government introduce a dedicated low-price fuel scheme for fire services, mirroring existing agricultural subsidies. In addition, the federation proposes a dynamic pricing mechanism that would automatically adjust to market fuel changes, preventing fire departments from bearing permanent cost spikes. It also seeks an update to the fee table for non-urgent patient transport, arguing one outlet rates are out of step with actual service costs.
President Cláudio Serra highlighted a 30% rise in fuel expenses since the start of the year and noted that the transport tariff has not been revised for roughly ten years. The FBDG has already presented its proposals to the Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses and is awaiting action from the Ministry of Health or the government. Failure to act, Serra warned, could further strain the cash flow of volunteer fire associations.
