The inflation rate in Portugal, measured by the Consumer Price Index,
reached 8.7% in June, reaching the highest value since December 1992.
The data, still provisional, were released this Thursday (30) by the INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatística) and are compared to the same period of the previous year.
Once again, the increase in energy contributed greatly to the result. Energy products increased by 31.7% in the same period: the highest value since August 1984.
The increase in the cost of living is already beginning to affect Portuguese families.
A survey by Aximage, commissioned by radio TSF and newspapers DN and JN, indicates that 68% of Portuguese have already been forced to change their food consumption pattern due to inflation.
The situation is particularly serious for women and people aged between 35 and 49.
According to the survey, about 40% of those interviewed started to opt for lower-priced foods, while, for 34%, it was even necessary to reduce consumption.
To try to mitigate the effects on the most vulnerable population, the government of Prime Minister António Costa, Socialist Party, announced extraordinary support for the most vulnerable families.
The support of 60 euros was paid for the first time in April and has just been extended until at least August.
Around one million families currently receive the benefit, which is exclusive to low-income groups.
