The difference between the cost of unleaded
fuel and diesel is closing, though both have
in the past week reached new highs.
While unleaded fuel 95 octane costs
around €1.36 a litre, diesel is now above
the €1.20 mark.
Since the start of 2008, the cost of
diesel has risen by around 20 percent, while
unleaded fuel has experienced hikes that now
represent an increase of 14 percent since
January.
These record fuel prices are being felt
by consumers and industries alike, and the
government has admitted that transport costs
will be increased well above the projected
inflation rate, which is estimated at 2.1
percent.
Figures released recently meanwhile show
that 88 fuel stations have been forced to
turn off their pumps in the first six months
of the year.
While some stations were shut down for
posing a safety risk, such as those
previously found in narrow city streets, the
overwhelming majority are located along the
border with Spain.
ANAREC, the association that represents
fuel stations nationwide, say that while 56
stations closed in 2006, a total of 88 had
done so in the first half of 2008.
The association estimates that 1,500 jobs
have been lost due to these closures, with
Portuguese motorists living along the border
opting to refuel their vehicles in Spain.
Diesel is as much as 15 cents cheaper a
litre, and even for people living further
from the border, a trip to Spain is
effectively paid for with the saving in
refuelling at Spanish pumps.
