"Very soon the Government will take measures to protect farmers' diesel, subsidising the cost of diesel for agriculture," said Manuel Castro Almeida, in statements to journalists on the sidelines of the Commitment of Honour ceremony of the 21 new inspectors of the Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE), which took place on 7 September at the National Library of Portugal, in Lisbon.

The Minister considered the increase in diesel costs in agriculture "particularly worrying," stressing that farmers have no room to reduce this consumption, since the fuel is necessary to operate tractors and agricultural machinery.

Castro Almeida said that the increase in diesel costs is reflected in the prices of agricultural products in supermarkets and, consequently, in the cost of living for consumers.

The official also highlighted a “double effect” on families, particularly those with the greatest needs, who are simultaneously facing higher fuel costs and rising prices of agricultural products.

“Special protection for agricultural diesel has this double advantage,” he said.

When Lusa asked about adopting new measures beyond the agricultural sector, the Minister said that, “for now,” the Government is focused on this measure because of its impact on farmers' costs and, subsequently, on the prices charged.

“This will alleviate the pressure on prices for agricultural products,” he argued.