Butane Gas Cylinders May Reach 40 Euros by Year-End
Consumer protection organization Deco Proteste warned that the price of a standard 13-kilogram butane gas cylinder could hit 40 euros before the end of the year due to rising energy costs. The average price exceeded 37.50 euros in October, up from 34.11 euros at the start of the year. The group urged the government to reduce the value-added tax (Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado or IVA) on bottled gas from 23% to the reduced 6% rate to alleviate pressure on household budgets.
Deco Proteste is Portugal's largest consumer rights organization, providing independent product testing, legal advice, dispute mediation, and advocacy on behalf of consumers. It is part of the international Euroconsumers group.
Deco publishes comparative tests of products and services (from insurance policies to supermarket prices), lobbies for consumer-friendly legislation, and runs a mediation service that helps resolve disputes between consumers and companies. It also operates helplines during crises — such as severe weather events — to advise on insurance claims, billing disputes, and emergency consumer rights.
Membership is paid, but Deco's public advocacy and media presence make it a significant voice in Portuguese consumer affairs. Its studies and reports are frequently cited in news coverage of cost-of-living, energy prices, and financial products.
