Drivers across Portugal mobilized on Sunday, blocking key highways and ring roads in a coordinated strike organized by professional haulage associations. The demonstrations were directed against what unions describe as an unprecedented surge in fuel costs, with diesel prices climbing to an all-time high and gasoline reaching levels not seen since early 2024.
Protesters staged their actions at approximately 10:00 local time, targeting major thoroughfares including the A1, A2, and A8 motorways, as well as the northern and southern sections of the Lisbon Ring Road. Traffic disruptions were reported in several cities, including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Setúbal, though organizers stated that the goal was to inconvenience commuters rather than cause accidents or endanger lives.
The Portuguese Confederation of Road Transport (CPTT) expressed frustration over what it characterized as reckless pricing strategies by fuel suppliers. In a statement, the organization accused retailers of prioritizing profit margins over public welfare, arguing that current rates are unjustifiable.
CPTT president António Rodrigues de Almeida highlighted the severe financial strain on households and businesses alike. “Portuguese families are already grappling with the highest cost of living in Europe, yet fuel prices continue to climb,” he said, describing the hikes as unreasonable and harmful to national economic stability.
The unrest follows weeks of rising tensions between transport operators and the Portuguese government. Previously, haulage firms had threatened to impose new restrictions on fuel supplies to essential services, threatening to halt deliveries to hospitals and emergency response units. However, such measures were ultimately called off after negotiations.
The CPTT has now renewed its demands for immediate government action, seeking a reduction in the specific fuel tax (ISPC) and a slowdown in the automatic price adjustment mechanism. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as transportation networks remain partially paralyzed.
Wild that diesel prices hit record highs while inflation bites. No wonder hauliers are furious. This will only get worse.
Are they actually going to cut the ISPC tax? Sounds like empty promises again. The government needs to act, not just watch.
Blocking highways is reckless. People need to get to work. There has to be a better way to protest without endangering commuters.
This is unbearable. How are normal families supposed to afford fuel when costs of living are already Europe’s highest?