get to know the countries that have already acted to lower energy prices (Portugal included)
Despite not yet having announced measures to reduce the impact of the energy crisis in Europe, several countries have already acted and several countries have taken measures to respond to rising prices, as highlighted by El Mundo.
The governments of several countries announce and the governments to face this crisis. Portugal was one of the countries that has already taken measures.
Portugal
Last week, the Secretary of State for Tax Affairs, António Mendonça Mendes, announced at a press conference the reduction of the Fuel Tax (ISP). This will be reassessed every week, on Fridays, according to estimates regarding the rise in material prices. In this first week the discount on gasoline was 1.7 cents on gasoline and 2.4 cents on diesel.
Between this measure and other previous decisions, such as a 2014 carbon tax, the Government guarantees that for every 50 liters of gasoline the Portuguese will save 25 euros.
France
French Prime Minister Jean Castex revealed last week that from April 1, a discount of 15 cents per liter will be applied to chemicals. This measure will be in effect for four months. The distributor disclosed to Le Parisien that it will apply this discount and the state will refund the money. In a 60 liter tank, this will represent a saving of nine euros. This measure goes two billion euros into France’s coffers.
Castex stated that it is simpler to implement this discount than to lower taxes. “A law is needed for this and more time is needed”, defended the prime minister of France.
Italy
Although it has not taken measures in recent weeks, a month ago the Italian government announced that it would channel 5,800 million euros – previously with 10 million euros – to “prevent the impact of the cost of additional energy” from being “too negative”. The objective was to eliminate the fixed charges of the system, keep the investment
VAT on gas 5% and helps industrial equipment companies and companies with the energy lift.
Sweden
It chose a path similar to that of France, but with a lower audience reduction: 12 cents per litre. This will have a total cost of 347 million euros for Sweden and is part of a package that will have a budget of 1,314 million euros, which will provide direct assistance to consumers between 94 and 141 euros, covering the area in which they reside and the type of vehicle they have.
Ireland
It has been betting on fiscal measures and since March 10, the special tax levied on fuel. The Irish government hopes to lower the price of gasoline by 20 cents per liter and reduce the price of diesel to 15 cents per liter. This means savings of around 12 euros per tank of petrol and 9 euros on a tank of diesel. This reduction will cost the country 320 million euros and will continue until at least 31 August.
Romania
The Romanian government went further and decided to freeze electricity and gas prices for a year. The measure takes effect from April 1st and applies to individuals and companies.
Slovenia
It has set a maximum price, but it is assumed that companies will not sell below that price. For gasoline 1,503 euros per liter and for diesel 1,541 euros per liter.
Belgium
The Belgian government will reduce VAT on gas by up to 6% from April to 30 September. It will also extend the decline in electricity prices until the end of September. Special taxes on food will also be published at €0.175 per litre.
Poland
The most controversial measures are yours. In February, it changed the VAT on fuel, and it was not small. It reduced this tax from 23% to 8% until the 31st of July. It also eliminates VAT on gas and essential food products. It will also extend a 5% decline in electricity until the end of July.