Lisbon, Sept. 22, 2026 (Lusa) - The Secretary-General of the PS expressed concern on Tuesday over the environment minister's call for fuel conservation and questioned whether it was for environmental reasons or driven by fears of a possible supply shortage.
«I saw a statement that should give cause for concern: why did the minister speak of the need for us to be economical in our use of fuel? Was it solely for environmental reasons, or are there supply concerns? We will wait to see what the government has to say on the matter,» José Luís Carneiro told journalists on the sidelines of a meeting with representatives from the tourism, retail and services sectors in Lisbon.
The PS leader acknowledged that Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho's statement the previous day, in which she warned that fuel consumption had risen to «high levels» and argued that we need to save, had surprised him, and he promised to follow the matter closely.
«I was, above all, struck by the minister's comments on the shortage and, therefore, we need to check whether there is any problem or any information the government has regarding a possible shortage of fuel reserves,» he said.
Carneiro said he sought clarification on the minister's statements, given the apparent absence of any shortage in supply or reserves.
«Was it solely for environmental reasons? Well, we need to know why; if it was solely for environmental reasons, we agree with the country's need to accelerate investment in its electrification, in the decarbonisation of the economy, in promoting the circular economy, and in reducing its energy dependence,» he emphasised.
The PS Secretary-General considered this «a national priority», which is why he looks forward to the government deciding «on projects that were due to be put out to tender, particularly for the production of more renewable energy».
Maria da Graça Carvalho warned on Monday that fuel consumption has risen to «high levels» and that we must save, noting that support should be channelled to those who need it.
«Consumption of diesel, petrol and jet fuel, compared with the same months last year, has been rising by as much as 4% to 6%,» said Maria da Graça Carvalho, emphasising that whilst the figure is not bad, it has surprised her.
She was speaking in Soure, in the district of Coimbra, where she pointed out that consumption has always decreased during previous crises similar to the current one, drawing consumers' attention to the fact that other countries have even imposed fuel-saving measures.
JF/ADB // ADB.
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