Portugal boosts gas cylinder subsidies to €25 amid energy cost crisis
Portugal has raised the subsidy for its Solidarity Gas Cylinder program to €25 per cylinder for the next three months. The move comes as the government seeks to ease pressure on households struggling with high energy costs. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced the increase, marking the latest adjustment since the scheme began in 2022. The program, originally called the Solidarity Canister, was introduced in 2022 to help families cope with rising energy prices after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. At first, the subsidy was set at €10, then raised to €15, and now stands at €25.
Eligible households include those on the Electricity Social Tariff (TSEE) and anyone earning €6,272.64 or less per year. Recipients of minimum social benefits—such as elderly, disability, unemployment, and old-age pensions—also qualify. Each person can claim subsidies for up to two cylinders per month, with a yearly cap of twelve. To receive the payment, buyers must submit their gas cylinder receipt to a participating local parish council or union. While no official figures exist on how many households have benefited so far, estimates suggest around 366,000 families with social electricity tariffs could be eligible. Despite its aims, the scheme has faced criticism. Consumer rights group DECO claims poor outreach and bureaucratic delays have limited its impact.
The latest subsidy increase will apply for three months, offering temporary relief to qualifying households. Those eligible must still navigate the reimbursement process through local councils. The government has not released data on uptake or regional distribution since the program's launch.
