BRUSSELS, September 25. /TASS/. Protests against the sharp rise in fuel prices are taking place in several European countries at the same time, according to Politico.

In Portugal, hundreds of trucks took part in a protest on Friday against the rising cost of diesel. Organizers had aimed to gather around 500 heavy vehicles. The protesters moved at low speed along three highways toward the city of Coimbra, causing significant traffic disruptions. Representatives from companies involved in construction, underground works, and materials transport participated in the protest.

Organizers state that since the end of February, the price of diesel in Portugal has risen from approximately 1.59 euro to 2.22 euro per liter. They estimate that for some businesses in the sector, fuel expenses account for more than half of their production costs.

Protests against rising diesel prices also took place in France. Fishermen blocked the ports of Nice, Sete, and Le Grau-du-Roi, as well as an oil depot in Frontignan in the south of the country. Protesters demanded lower fuel costs and increased state support for the industry.

Amid the protests, French authorities were compelled to expand aid programs for citizens and sectors hardest hit by the rising cost of fuel.

Automotive fuel prices in EU countries rose significantly in 2026 due to disruptions in the supply of oil and petroleum products following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran in February. The European Commission acknowledges that instability in the Middle East has led to significant price volatility, particularly for diesel and jet fuel. According to Reuters, by September, European market prices for diesel had more than doubled compared to levels at the start of the year - a trend driven by reduced supplies of petroleum products from the Middle East and the EU's policy of phasing out energy imports from Russia.