Portugal asks EU to investigate fuel price fixing

The Portuguese government has asked the European Union to investigate possible price fixing by fuel companies in Portugal, local media reported on Thursday.

Secretary of State for Energy Jorge Seguro Sanches sent a letter to the European Commission requesting that its competition body verify whether rules and regulations are being adhered to in setting consumer fuel prices in Portugal.

The request comes as a consequence of "significant and systematic divergences" in fuel prices in Portugal compared to elsewhere.

The letter states that in recent years there have been "successive fuel price increases that do not reflect the international market".

Indeed, the Portuguese has made a habit of crossing the border into Spain to buy gas canisters, sometimes at half the price that they are available for in Portugal, and to fill up vehicle petrol tanks.

Portuguese consumers have traditionally blamed the government for imposing high taxes and tariffs. The government now points the finger at industry price fixing and abuse of dominant positions.