Environment and Energy Minister Maria Graça Carvalho announced that Portugal is close to meeting European criteria for declaring an energy crisis (crise energética) due to soaring electricity and gas prices. Such a declaration would allow the state to implement exceptional support measures for families and businesses struggling with the cost of living. Residents should note that the government is already preparing these protections in case market prices remain at current high levels.
Government prepares support measures as energy crisis looms
Friday, 20 March 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Maria Graça Carvalho is the Minister of Environment and Energy (Ministra do Ambiente e Energia) in the government led by Luís Montenegro. A member of the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD), she has previously served as a Member of the European Parliament and as a minister in earlier administrations. Her current role involves overseeing climate policy, energy transition, and water management, recently clarifying that there are no signs of supply failures in the country.
