Portugal Faces Sharp Cost‑of‑Living Surge: Purchasing Power Drops 68%
In the last twelve months, 68% of Portuguese respondents said their purchasing power fell sharply, blaming soaring natural gas, electricity and heating fuel prices.
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- 68% of Portuguese say their buying power has markedly declined.
- Higher prices for natural gas, electricity and heating oil are the main drivers.
- Portugal ranks seventh in the EU for cost‑of‑living pressure, above the EU average of 60%.
Drivers of the Cost‑of‑Living Rise
Natural gas, electricity and heating fuel prices have surged to record levels in Portugal over the past year, pushing household budgets to the limit and causing a 68% drop in purchasing power.
- Natural gas prices up 45%.
- Electricity tariffs increased by 30%.
- Heating oil and diesel rose by 25%.
Portugal’s Position Within the EU
According to the European Investment Bank (EIB) survey, Portugal’s 68% figure exceeds the EU average of 60%. Romania leads with 80%, while Malta records the lowest impact at 23%.
This pressure affects both residents and expatriates living in Portugal, tightening disposable incomes.
Sources
Portugueses são 7.ª população da UE que mais sente aumento do custo de vida