Lisbon, March 20, 2026 (Lusa) - Portugal's government is analysing measures to mitigate rising energy prices, as the country is "close to the criteria" to declare an energy crisis, the environment minister said on Friday.

"We are getting close to the criteria where we can declare an energy crisis," Maria da Graça Carvalho told journalists in Lisbon, noting that the executive was "analysing and quantifying" various support measures.

She said these decisions were being prepared alongside several ministries to "protect families, consumers and also companies".

"The criteria are very well defined," she explained, recalling that they follow a European Union (EU) directive [Directive (EU) 2024/1711], which applies when there are price increases of 70%, for example.

Once that level is reached, "a cabinet meeting resolution must be made and the European Commission informed," she said, stressing that a European Council decision would be required.

The government approved legislation on Thursday allowing electricity prices to be limited for domestic consumers and companies in the event of an energy crisis, although the minister of cabinet affairs, Antonio Leitao Amaro, said that scenario was still distant.

SCR/LYT // AYLS

Lusa