For residents close to the border between Portugal and Spain, supplying fuel on the Spanish side continues to be an advantageous choice. Even with the recent increases in fuel prices in the neighboring country, the price difference in relation to Portugal is still significant.
Increase in fuel prices
In Portugal, this Monday, fuels suffered the biggest increase since 2022. According to the Automóvel Clube de Portugal (ACP), simple diesel rose between 5 and 5.5 cents per liter, costing around 1.70 euros per liter. Gasoline registered an increase of between 3 and 3.5 cents, reaching 1.78 euros per liter.
This bullish scenario is not exclusive to Portugal. In recent weeks, fuel prices have also increased in Spain. However, even with these variations, fueling in Spain remains cheaper.
Significant differences in prices
According to recent data released by the TSF, the price difference between the two countries can reach between 20 and 30 cents per liter. This discrepancy has led many Portuguese people to cross the border to refuel. In places like Tui, in Galicia, close to Valença (Viana do Castelo), the search for cheaper fuel is constant.
“We always come here. We make other purchases and use the opportunity to fill up with diesel too. It’s much cheaper. About two weeks ago, diesel was 1.39 euros,” Elisa Dias, a resident of Vila Nova de Cerveira, told . Joana Castro, from Monção, shares a similar experience: “Since I got my license, I have never filled up in Portugal. I always come to Tui because it’s much cheaper.”
Infrastructures in Tui and demand for fuels
Tui has around 20 gas stations within a radius of 12 kilometers, attracting hundreds of Portuguese people daily. According to an employee at one of the gas stations, “it’s normal to see a lot of Portuguese people here, because the price difference is big. Even with the recent increases, they still prefer to refuel on this side.”
Reasons behind the price difference
The price difference between Portugal and Spain is largely due to the tax policies of the two countries. In Spain, taxes applied to fuel are generally lower, making the final price more competitive.
Advantages for consumers at the border
For those who live in border regions, filling up with fuel in Spain is a way to save significantly, especially in times of successive price increases. Furthermore, proximity allows consumers to combine supplies with other purchases and activities.
Even in scenarios of unstable fuel prices, crossing the border to refuel is still an advantageous option for many Portuguese people.
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