Protest against fuel prices in Porto: Demonstrators demanded new measures from the government

The reaction against rising fuel prices in Portugal took to the streets in Porto. At the demonstration held on Saturday, September 19, dozens of people protested fuel prices and demanded additional measures from the government.

The demonstration took place at a time when diesel and gasoline prices in Portugal were approaching historical high levels again and the VAT reduction debate was growing between the government and the opposition.

What did the demonstrators want?

According to Lusa, the demonstration in Porto started in the afternoon and participants walked through the city streets.

The organization also called on citizens not to buy fuel for their vehicles on the day of the protest.

The main demand of the demonstration was that the government should implement stronger measures to reduce fuel costs.

Although the number of participants was limited, the protest was one example of the social backlash against fuel costs that have become increasingly visible in household budgets in recent weeks.

What measures did the government take?

The government announced a new package on September 17 to reduce the impact of rising fuel costs.

The package includes an IRS discount, an extraordinary additional payment to retirees, 38 million euros of support to sectors particularly affected by fuel costs, and the continuation of the ISP discount until the end of the year.

The government's approach is based on using income support and the ISP mechanism rather than changing the VAT rate.

Opposition more wants

Fuel policy is also discussed in Parliament.

While PS and Chega advocate a temporary reduction in VAT on fuels from 23 percent to 13 percent, the government argues that this will create a huge cost on the budget.

Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento calculates the total annual impact of the VAT measures put forward by the two opposition parties for fuel and food at approximately 2 billion euros.

This figure is the government's fiscal impact estimate; The recommendations have not yet been implemented.

New price increase expected on Monday

Immediately after the protest, a new critical date for drivers is approaching.

While a new increase in diesel and gasoline prices is expected on Monday, September 21, it is stated that especially diesel oil may reach new historical high levels.

Therefore, the price debate behind the protest in Porto will remain on the agenda in the new week.

Resources

Lusa — September 19, 2026

https://www.lusa.pt/article/47803048/manifesta%C3%A7%C3%A3o-no-porto-contra-pre%C3%A7o-dos-combust%C3%ADveis-pede-medidas-ao-governo

Observador / Lusa — 19 September 2026

https://observador.pt/2026/09/19/manifestacao-no-porto-contra-preco-dos-combustiveis-pede-medidas-ao-governo/

XXV Governo Constitucional — 17 September 2026

https://portugal.gov.pt/gc25/comunicacao/noticias/governo-reforca-rendimentos-e-apoios-perante-subida-dos-combustiveis

RTP / Lusa — September 20 2026

https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/economia/miranda-sarmento-avisa-que-descida-do-iva-nos-combustiveis-e-alimentacao-levaria-pais-a-defice_n1766586