Speaking to Lusa agency, the executive president of EDP Comercial, Vera Pinto Pereira, announced the decision to increase the price of gas "on average, 30 euros in residential customers' bills".

For the approximately 433,300 (two thirds) of the 650,000 residential customers, who represent the lowest consumption levels, the rise in the price of gas will have an average impact of 18 euros per month, before taxes and fees, that is, the increase will be around 22 euros.

EDP ​​Comercial justified the decision with the rise in gas prices in international markets in recent months, a situation that was exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and restrictions on Russian gas supply, which also increased prices in other markets, such as, for example, gas from Algeria.

"This is something that has grown over the last few months, despite EDP maintaining the price conditions for residential customers", pointed out Vera Pinto Pereira.

However, she continued, "12 months later and given the scenario in the international market, in the international context where we buy the gas we supply to Portuguese families, this price update became inevitable".

The new prices take effect on October 1st and, contrary to usual, will be in effect for three months instead of a year.

"Exceptionally, at this time, we are going to make a change and the objective is to be able to follow, as soon as possible, a correction of this market trend", explained the official, stressing that the price may be revised at the end of the three months, upwards, or downwards.

Vera Pinto Pereira stressed that the company is making "every effort to ensure that the adjustment is downwards"-

"Our main concern is the end customer and Portuguese families and, therefore, we will try to reverse this as soon as possible", underlined the executive president.

The company also noted the possibility of customers who have difficulties in paying their bills to request payment plans, to make the payment in stages.