Gas cylinders in Portugal can cost twice as much as in Spain, both in the case of butane and propane. This price disparity has led many Portuguese people, especially those who live close to the border, to cross to the neighboring country with the intention of purchasing gas at more affordable prices. Last month, for example, a cylinder of butane cost €16.61 in Spain, while in Portugal the price was €32.15. The propane bottle, commonly used in restaurants, was on sale in Spain for €14.62, while in Portugal the price rose to €32.29, according to SIC Notícias.
Despite being a common practice, the legality of this attitude has raised some doubts. Decree-Law No. 41-A/2010 establishes that it is permitted to transport up to two gas bottles from Spain to Portugal, as long as it is for private use and that all safety standards are met, in order to avoid gas leaks. .
However, according to , Article 60 of the Special Consumption Tax Code mentions that products subject to taxes, such as gas, must be regulated within the national territory. Thus, anyone caught importing gas cylinders without the appropriate certificate – which can be electronic – may be subject to fines from the authorities.
The Brazilian Consumer Protection Association (DECO) warned about the strict rules governing the transport of dangerous products. DECO stressed that the market is not liberalized, which means that a Spanish operator is not allowed to directly sell gas cylinders in Portugal, due to differences in the regulations of the two countries.
Furthermore, DECO also indicated that the composition of butane gas may vary between the two countries, which makes cylinders and reducers incompatible. This fact requires extra care in use, such as choosing the appropriate reducers or the need to adapt burners.
Finally, the Mobility and Transport Institute (IMT) also warned about the transport of fuels. Detran clarified that, in the case of flammable liquids transported in refillable containers, the quantity cannot exceed 60 liters per container and 240 liters per transport unit. Thus, anyone who lives in the border area or anyone who prefers to import gas or fuel from Spain can do so, as long as they comply with legal regulations.
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