The general panorama is complex: “The entire world economy is a little in anticipation of what will happen.
A phase of conflict in the Middle East is a risk factor for a considerable change in the fuel price. Now that the USA and Israel, the case becomes even more delicate.
Fuel prices in Portugal – and beyond – can rise considerably. Not this Monday, but in a week.
António Comprido, the general secretary of EPCOL – Portuguese Fuel and Lubricant Companies, begins by saying that only during today’s sessions in bags is that we can have a more accurate idea of the economic consequences of this attack.
But experience predicts a rise in oil prices: “We have experience that these conflicts, in a region as sensitive as this, negatively affect oil prices and then, consequently, the products it gives rise to, which includes fuels”, he analyzed, in .
The increase, if it happens, will not happen now: one week’s prices are based on the previous week’s prices.
Therefore, in a week, on the day March 9there must be a “more pronounced change” in fuel pricesif the tension in Iran lasts.
But Antonio Comprido warns that the changes will not only be felt in fuel prices: “The entire world economy is a little in anticipation of what will happen. It’s not just oil: natural gas, it’s not just energy, other raw materials will see production costs increase.”
“It’s a complex situation. Only after two or three days will we understand exactly what the impact will be and how long it will last”, he analyzed.
A Portuguese economy will also have “more news”, this after “unexpected challenges” in 2026. The EPCOL leader does not believe that the Government’s forecast for this year’s State Budget will be confirmed: cheaper oil.
“It’s still too early to say, it’s only been two months yet. In these two months, the average was a little above the government’s forecast; there are more costs for the economy, more difficulties to add to the catastrophe that befell the country with the storms two weeks ago and with all the destruction that this brought”, he recalled.
