Portugal’s government is analysing measures to mitigate rising energy prices, as the country is “close to the criteria” to declare an energy crisis, the environment minister Maria da Graça Carvalho said this afternoon in Lisbon.
“We are getting close to the criteria where we can declare an energy crisis,” she told journalists in Lisbon, noting that the executive was “analysing and quantifying” various support measures.
These decisions are being prepared alongside several ministries to “protect families, consumers and also companies”.
“The criteria are very well defined,” she said, recalling that they follow a European Union (EU) directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1711), which applies when there are price increases of 70% and above.
Once that level is reached, “a cabinet meeting resolution must be made and the European Commission informed,” she said, stressing that a European Council decision will be required.
The government approved legislation only yesterday to pave the way for electricity prices to be limited for domestic consumers and companies in the event of an energy crisis, although minister of the presidency, António Leitao Amaro, said the scenario was still distant.
All that has changed in less than 24-hours.
Updates to come over weekend if necessary.
source: LUSA
