The Business Association of the Coimbra Region (NERC) today expressed concern over rising fuel prices and called on the Government to adopt extraordinary measures to reduce the impact on businesses and families. The association considers that the price evolution already represents a cross-cutting threat to economic activity, in a context of oil appreciation and pressure on energy markets.
NERC warned that the increase in fuel prices has repercussions on workers' commutes, freight transport, logistics, public transport and the final price of goods and services, with a particular impact on the food basket due to dependence on road transport. The association also warned about the consequences for companies in the industry, construction, agriculture, transport, logistics, trade and services sectors, considering that a prolonged increase could reduce margins, compromise investments and, in more serious situations, put jobs at risk.
Among the measures proposed by NERC are a significant reduction in the fiscal burden on fuels, support for the sectors most exposed to transport and energy costs, measures for worker mobility and solutions aimed at preventing the worsening of logistics costs and essential goods prices. The association argued that a response based exclusively on one-off or low-impact measures is insufficient, advocating for urgent intervention while price instability persists.
NERC issued a clear warning to the Government, stating that the Portuguese economy cannot wait for this escalation to worsen before measures are taken. The association also advocated for permanent dialogue between the Government and business representative structures.
