Lisbon, May 1, 2025 (Lusa) - The power blackout that affected Portugal on Monday for around 10 hours led consumers to buy solutions en masse to ensure autonomy in emergencies, triggering demand for radios (+4,594%), power banks (+1,728%) and portable stoves (+348%).

The data was released on Wednesday evening by price comparison and marketplace KuantoKusta, which recorded demand for emergency items on Monday and Tuesday, compared to the previous two days.

Among the products most requested by the Portuguese on Monday and Tuesday to deal with power outages were radios (+4,594%), power banks (+1,728%) and portable stoves (+348%), according to a statement.

According to KuantoKusta, the blackout "provoked an immediate reaction from consumers, who are buying solutions en masse to ensure autonomy in the face of emergencies".

The platform also stressed that civil protection experts "have reinforced in recent days the importance of keeping emergency kits up to date, with radios, flashlights, batteries and alternative means of cooking, especially in the face of unexpected events such as last Monday's".

"The sudden rush for these items reveals not only consumer concern about possible future power failures, but also an attempt to be better prepared for emergency situations," explained André Duarte, commercial director of KuantoKusta, quoted in the press release.

The head of the KuantoKusta marketplace also said that "to date, KuantoKusta has not identified any significant price variations for these products".

A widespread power cut affected Portugal and Spain for around 10 to 11 hours on Monday, with no explanation from the authorities.

Closed airports, transport and traffic congestion in major cities and fuel shortages were some of the consequences of the ‘blackout’.

The electricity distribution network operator E-Redes assured on Tuesday morning that the service had been fully restored and normalised.

DMC/AYLS // AYLS

Lusa