LISBON, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro on Monday signed a government decree introducing 38 million euros (42.56 million U.S. dollars) in financial support to help road transport operators, taxis, firefighters and social sector organizations cope with rising fuel costs.
The measures reinstate support that was already in place from April to June and extend a 10-euro-cent-per-liter subsidy on professional diesel through the end of the year.
Of the total, 30 million euros (33.6 million dollars) are earmarked for freight transport and roadside assistance vehicles, with payments ranging from 118.20 euros (132.38 dollars) to 457.80 euros (512.74 dollars) per vehicle, depending on gross weight.
Public road passenger transport will receive 5 million euros (5.6 million dollars), equivalent to 420 euros (470.40 dollars) per bus.
The remaining 3 million euros (3.36 million dollars) cover taxis, firefighters and social sector entities.
The measures are intended to reduce the impact of higher fuel costs on sectors that are most exposed to the surge in global energy prices triggered by the Middle East conflict. ■