Countries adopt measures to contain the effects of the rise in oil prices

Starting this Wednesday (April 1, 2026), governments around the world begin to adopt emergency measures to contain the effects of the oil spike, amid the escalation of in the Middle East. Increased hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel have led to instability in one of the main global oil flow routes, through which around a fifth of world production passes.

Incidents with vessels and restrictions on traffic in the area reduced the circulation of the commodity and put pressure on international prices. Faced with this scenario, governments around the world began to intervene to try to cushion the impacts at the beginning of April. See which countries should adopt emergency measures in light of the rise in oil prices starting this Wednesday.

Brazil

Brazil started of a new plan to support the reduction of the cost of imported diesel, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The proposal replaces the initial idea of ​​waiving taxes on imported diesel. Instead of reducing the state tax, the government opted for a direct subsidy model for importers, with equal division of costs between the Union and states. According to the minister the objective is to speed up the application of the policy.

The average ICMS on imported diesel is around R$1.20 per liter, a value that would be offset by contributions of around R$0.60 from each sphere of government. The measure would be valid until May, and states must respond to the proposal in the coming days.

The government estimates a fiscal impact of close to R$3 billion per month, equivalent to a tax exemption.

Japan

The Japanese government decided to relax, for 1 year, the rules to expand the use of coal-fired thermoelectric plants.

Announced by of Japan, the action temporarily suspends the usage limit for less efficient coal plants. The objective is to reduce dependence on LNG (liquefied natural gas), whose supply was affected after the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.

The country maintains stocks of around 4 million tons of LNG, but has already adopted additional measures, such as releasing oil reserves, subsidizing gasoline and searching for alternative suppliers.

Russia

Russia is also considering banning gasoline exports. The measure was determined by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak (United Russia, right), who instructed the Ministry of Energy to prepare a resolution on the topic. According to the state agency the restriction must remain in force until July 31st.

Despite the instability, the government claims that the volume of crude oil processing remains at levels similar to last year, guaranteeing domestic supply. Still, recent episodes of gasoline shortages, recorded in Russian regions and areas of Ukraine under Moscow’s control, have led the country to adopt exports to contain prices and avoid shortages.

In 2023, Russia around 5 million tons of gasoline, equivalent to approximately 117 thousand barrels per day.

Portugal

The Portuguese government proposed the creation of a temporary diesel subsidy. The measure will support 10 euro cents per liter of diesel for sectors such as agriculture, public transport, fishing and taxis. The plan still depends on approval in Parliament and, if approved, should be valid until June 30th.

According to Prime Minister Luís Montenegro (Social Democrat, right), the It will only be triggered if diesel prices remain at least 10 cents above the average recorded at the beginning of March, when the conflict intensified. The estimated cost of the initiative could reach 450 million euros over 3 months.

Portugal registered budget higher than expected last year, which leaves room for emergency measures. Lisbon is also evaluating new actions if the crisis worsens, but rules out, for now, reducing taxes such as VAT on fuel or food.

Germany

O also approved measures to contain the rise in fuel prices. From the beginning of April, gas stations will only be able to make one price increase per day, always at noon, although reductions will continue to be allowed at any time. The rule is part of a package approved by the city council, which will also impose fines of up to R$100,000 for non-compliance.

The project, supported by conservatives, social democrats and the Greens, also tightens antitrust rules to increase transparency in price formation. Since the beginning of the conflict, diesel the 2 euros per liter in several regions, putting pressure on inflation.

Proposals such as taxing extraordinary profits from energy companies and creating a price cap are also under discussion, while companies report a strong impact of energy costs on their operations.

Norway

O approved a bill to temporarily reduce taxes on gasoline and diesel.

The measure was voted on quickly after the proposal from the opposition, which bypassed the traditional budget process, which is normally longer and subject to review in committees. The minority government of advocated that tax changes follow this procedure, which could postpone the decision until June.

According to the Minister of Finance, (Labour Party, left), the cut, which is expected to last until September 1, is expected to generate a revenue loss of at least 3.3 billion Norwegian kroner (about $342 million).

In addition to the fuel reduction, Parliament also approved temporary cuts in taxes on CO₂ emissions, increasing the fiscal impact of the measure by several billion crowns. THE who cast the decisive vote, declared support for initiatives aimed at reducing the tax burden.

Australia

The Australian government announced an emergency package to contain the impacts of the global energy crisis, including a 50% reduction in fuel tax and the creation of a national plan to guarantee supply.

tailored, by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Labor Party, center), indicates the tax drop from 52.6 to 26.4 cents per liter from April 1st, lasting 3 months. The change should generate savings of around 26 cents per liter for consumers, easing the price of gasoline and diesel in the short term.

Furthermore, the government launched a of energy security at four levels to coordinate responses to possible supply interruptions. Currently, the country is at level 2, which consists of maintaining supply with possible localized failures.

The package also includes the temporary suspension of tariffs for heavy vehicles and could cost the budget around $2.55 billion.

CLIMBING IN TENSION

The event was held after weeks of tension between the 2 countries. On February 19, Trump stated that, within 10 days, he would know whether to give “one step forward” in relation to an attack against the Persian country.

Afterwards, the Republican declared that everyone, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, Dan Caine, considers that a possible war against Iran would result in one.

In , on February 24, Trump said that the US had not yet heard Iran pronounce “those magic words: ‘we will never have a nuclear weapon’”. In his speech, the American president stated that the Persian regime “has already developed missiles that could threaten Europe and our bases abroad, and is working to build missiles that will soon reach the USA”.

Trump’s statements were made while dealing with Iran, which did not result in an agreement.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the country if the Americans recognized its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and lifted economic sanctions.

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This report was produced by the journalism intern under the supervision of the editor.