The Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, guarantees that Portugal should not face a situation of fuel shortages, except in a scenario considered extreme. Even so, the minister admitted that the country has fuel assured until August and that jet fuel, used in aviation, is the most sensitive product at this stage.
In an interview with SIC Notícias, and cited by , the minister explained that the Government has been monitoring the situation closely, at a time when fuel and electricity prices continue to worry families and companies.
Maria da Graça Carvalho ruled out, for now, a general lack of fuel in Portugal, but recognized that the evolution of the crisis in the Middle East requires prudence and constant monitoring.
Guaranteed fuel until August
According to the official, Portugal has maintained regular contacts with Galp and Spanish refineries to assess fuel availability.
The minister stated that, at the moment, the country has fuel until August. The most critical point could come at the end of this month, if there is a reduction in aviation fuel.
Jet fuel is seen as the most sensitive product, as it is essential for the airline sector and is more exposed to possible disruptions in international supply.
Government removes alarm scenario
Despite concerns about prices, Maria da Graça Carvalho argues that a general reduction in fuel prices is not, at this stage, the best solution.
The minister considers that lowering taxes broadly may not have a clear effect on the final price paid by consumers and does not encourage a reduction in consumption.
Therefore, the Government says it is prioritizing more targeted support for specific sectors, such as fishing, transport and agriculture.
Sectoral support instead of general measures
The governor explained that the Executive is following a policy of prudence in the face of economic and energy uncertainty.
Among the measures in force is the ISP discount, but the minister emphasizes that sectoral aid is considered more efficient than a generalized response for all consumers.
The Government’s position is that support should mainly reach the sectors most exposed to rising energy costs.
There is a plan for crisis situations
Maria da Graça Carvalho also revealed that there is a plan prepared for scenarios where the situation worsens.
This plan includes recommendations for workplaces and homes, with the aim of promoting savings and greater efficiency in energy consumption.
Even so, the minister clarified that, for now, no mandatory measures are planned.
Brussels also monitors reservations
At European level, the European Commission announced the creation of a Fuel Observatory to monitor production, imports, exports and reserve levels in the European Union.
The objective is to quickly detect possible supply failures and guide measures to ensure a balanced distribution of fuels between countries and sectors.
The measure comes in a context of greater pressure on energy markets, worsened by instability in the Middle East and the impact on international prices.
Aviation is the most vulnerable sector
The European Commission also intends to clarify flexibilities in the aviation sector, should disruptions arise related to fuel availability.
In Portugal, the concern is mainly concentrated at the end of summer, when there may be less availability of jet fuel if the international situation worsens.
For now, the Government rules out a scenario of disruption, but makes it clear that it is monitoring market developments and that there are measures prepared if action is necessary.
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