Latest news and stories about cost of living in Porto, Portugal for expats and residents.
PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro has accused the government of profiting from rising fuel prices and submitted a parliamentary proposal to reduce VAT on fuel and essential food items to alleviate the cost of living.
Porto has become the first Portuguese city to implement a free public transport system for its residents.
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The Porto Municipal Assembly has approved a proposal to provide free public transport for residents across the entire metropolitan area, with implementation scheduled for January 2027 at an estimated annual cost of 20.5 million euros.
Unmet demand for cars is 'very high' and may take up the space left by trucks, researcher points out. IP predicts a 59% reduction in heavy vehicles. Antram anticipates 'supply chaos' and price increases.
PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro stated on Monday, September 14, that the Socialists were the first to propose reducing VAT on fuel. He was responding to comments from Chega leader André Ventura, who challenged him to support a reduction from 23% to 13%. Carneiro insisted that the PS had already submitted such proposals to the Assembly of the Republic, which were previously blocked by the AD, Chega, and the Liberal Initiative, and he questioned whether Chega would support the PS's own proposals.
Socialists question the way the executive conducted the 'preliminary market consultation' and want to know the 'economic and financial justification for the base price of 220 million euros'.
It is an extra 60 kilometres and an easy calculation to make: additional fuel and time will weigh on the final bill
PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro accused the Government of hypocrisy regarding agricultural diesel subsidies, claiming the state retains 400 million euros in excess revenue. While the Government approved extending these subsidies until the end of the year, Carneiro argued that increased fuel tax revenue far outweighs the support provided. He also highlighted the struggles of citizens facing high living costs and stated that the PS party is awaiting the Government's upcoming state budget proposal to see if they will commit to reducing VAT on fuel and essential goods.
The Minister of Economy acknowledges that subsidies are “never” enough to mitigate the rising cost of living and defends the importance of supporting agriculture. He insists that the State is not profiting from fuel prices.
More than 100,000 people have already signed up for the free public transport pass on the Porto municipal card. About half are new registrations for the social pass.
José Luís Carneiro says that the Portuguese people must know that Montenegro's executive is indeed profiting from the rise in fuel prices. In Póvoa de Varzim, the PS leader accused the Prime Minister of incompetence and insensitivity.
The Secretary-General of the PS, José Luís Carneiro, accused the Government of “making money” from the increase in fuel prices and revealed that he had submitted a proposal to Parliament on Thursday to reduce VAT on fuel and food. Speaking at the start of his visit to the 12th AgroSemana — Northern Agricultural Fair, in Vila do Conde, ...
PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro accused the Government of profiting from rising fuel prices and revealed that he submitted a proposal to Parliament to reduce VAT on fuel and food. During a visit to the AgroSemana agricultural fair, Carneiro highlighted that this is the third time the Socialist Party has proposed such a measure, which has previously been rejected by the AD, the Liberal Initiative, and Chega. He claimed the Government has gained over one billion euros in tax revenue due to inflation and fuel price increases, arguing that the upcoming record price hike will further burden citizens. Carneiro also criticised Prime Minister Luís Montenegro for his perceived insensitivity to the rising cost of living.
Paulo Raimundo also considered the increase in the fuel discount insufficient. Furthermore, José Luís Carneiro accuses the Government of profiting from the rise in fuel prices.
José Luís Carneiro focused his political message on the fiscal issue surrounding fuel.
PRESS REVIEW | Despite the figures, the situation has improved compared to last year
More than 400 homes with affordable rent have been allocated to families in Porto who were living in precarious conditions. The local authority is urging other families to apply for the National Housing Support Programme, known as 'Primeiro Direito' (First Right).
PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro insisted this Monday that the Prime Minister must provide explanations for the rise in fuel prices, while refusing to comment on the case involving the Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves. Carneiro argued that the government should adopt the PS's proposal to temporarily reduce VAT on fuel from 23% to 13% to mitigate the impact of rising international crude prices on families. He also criticised the government for allegedly 'profiting' from fuel tax increases and dismissed the PSD parliamentary leader's characterisation of recent political controversies as 'small cases', stating they have significant negative effects on people's lives.
With tomorrow seeing yet further price increases at fuel pumps throughout the country, PS Socialist leader José Luís Carneiro has challenged the government to take a new position to ease The post Government accused, yet again, of profiting from fuel price increases appeared first on Portugal Resident.
The INEM Workers' Commission believes that pressure on the Fire Department and the Red Cross will increase. Additionally, the Pope calls for the resumption of dialogue in the Middle East.
The PS secretary-general insists that Luís Montenegro's executive continues to “reach into the pockets of the Portuguese people and make money.”
Starting Monday, the price of petrol and diesel will rise again. Furthermore, several fronts of the wildfire still burning between Ávila and Madrid have been brought under control.
Statements by José Luís Carneiro this morning. Also in this news bulletin, the new UK Prime Minister rules out the possibility of early elections in the country.
The energy company Plenergy has expanded its network by opening a new service station in Penafiel, bringing its total number of stations in Portugal to 16.
Over a hundred people, mostly elderly and immigrants, waited all morning on Monday, July 13, for a ticket at the Porto Municipal Office to apply for the 'Porto Card', which grants free access to public transport. Many residents were unaware that the card could be requested online or at ten other locations across the city. While citizens praised the measure as a necessary financial relief, many elderly residents expressed difficulty with the digital application process due to a lack of internet access or technical skills. The Porto City Council estimates that nearly 60,000 residents will benefit from the initiative.
Public transport for those with a tax address in Porto has been free since Friday, provided the resident holds a Porto Card.
The measure, which allows residents with a Porto card to travel at no cost throughout the metropolitan area, has an estimated annual cost of 20.5 million euros.
House prices will continue to rise, but a 10% drop in transactions is expected in 2026, predicts Joana Resende, founder of Century 21 Arquitectos. The forecast is based on the persistent imbalance in the Portuguese real estate market, where demand remains strong despite a lack of supply. While there are signs of a slowdown—with the absorption period for new builds increasing from two to five months—inflationary pressure remains acute in urban areas around Porto, particularly in Gondomar, where average house prices have soared by 144% over the last decade. Developers are increasingly looking to the outskirts of the Porto Metropolitan Area, attracting both national and foreign investment, notably from Israel and India. Century 21 Arquitectos reported four million euros in revenue last year and expects 20% growth for the current year, with plans to expand further in northern Portugal by 2027.
