Gas cylinder may reach 40 euros by the end of the year

The price of a 13-kilogram butane gas cylinder in Portugal may reach 40 euros by year-end due to energy price pressures, according to Deco Proteste. The average price exceeded 37.50 euros in October, up from 34.11 euros at the start of the year. The organization warns that geopolitical instability in the Middle East is impacting energy markets, affecting gas and fuel prices. Approximately 2.1 million households in Portugal rely on bottled gas for essential needs. Deco Proteste advocates for a reduced VAT rate of 6% on bottled and piped gas to alleviate consumer burdens, as current rates are at the maximum of 23%. They estimate that a price of 40 euros could allow for savings of about 5.53 euros with the VAT reduction.