Diesel hits €2.169/litre historic high, sparks road protests in Portugal

Portugal experienced widespread road disruption as fuel prices surged to unprecedented levels. Diesel reached €2.169 per litre, marking an all-time high, while petrol climbed to €2.142 per litre based on the Automóvel Club de Portugal forecast. These figures exclude a temporary tax reduction applied by the government. The price hikes have triggered organized resistance across the nation. At 07/09/2026, protesters blocked the 25 de Abril Bridge connecting Lisbon and Almada using mass horn demonstrations. Simultaneously, a convoy of vehicles moved slowly toward Galp's refinery in Sines, Setúbal district. Social media images show participants waving Portuguese flags and displaying placards demanding action on fuel costs. Government police reported between 60 and 100 vehicles participated in the morning events. Protests organized via WhatsApp continued through lunchtime without a scheduled end time.