António Costa said on 1 September that the government will approve next Monday measures only for families to mitigate the impact of rising inflation, while support for companies will only be announced after the meeting of European Union (EU) energy ministers, scheduled for 9 September.

Speaking at the Luso-Mozambican summit, the prime minister was questioned about the statements made by the President of the Republic yesterday morning, who argued that Europe should unite in support measures for the economy that is being punished by the rise in prices, and also about a possible reduction in VAT on gas, as just announced by Spain.

In relation to families, António Costa recalled that an extraordinary Council of Ministers is scheduled for next Monday "to approve a set of measures to support families". "We are clear about the budget execution perspective, and with responsibility we can take decisions safely," said the Prime Minister in Mozambique, in statements broadcast by RTP3.

However, he indicated that support for companies would be announced later, as it "makes sense" to wait for the decisions of the EU Council of Energy Ministers to be held on 9 September and where several measures should be approved, including the reform of the electricity market that António Costa has been advocating.

"That is why it only makes sense to define a new package aimed specifically at companies after this Council of EU Energy Ministers, because it makes sense to define a new package taking into account what will be the decision, I hope in the good sense of that meeting of energy ministers on the 9th," Costa stressed.

Portugal recorded an inflation rate of 9 percent in August, a slight reduction on the previous month.

On 2 September, the President of the Republic called for urgent measures as "families and businesses are suffering" from the price rises of recent months and stressed the need to work together in Europe, especially on energy, "so as not to create inequalities".