The Portuguese government denied having taken advantage of the fuel price increases to increase tax revenue. This position comes in response to criticism about alleged benefits that the executive would have obtained from the increase in fuel prices.
The responsible minister announced that, since February 26, the revenue collected from the VAT increase was used to offset the Fuel Tax, totaling 700 million euros. This measure aims to compensate consumers for the price increases.
At the same time, the government announced the strengthening of ERSE's powers, the Energy Services Regulatory Authority. This reinforcement comes in a context of growing concern about energy prices and the need for greater supervision of the sector.
ERSE is the body responsible for regulating energy services in Portugal, including the supervision of electricity and natural gas markets.
