In a statement, the Portuguese Association of Petrol Companies (Apetro), which represents the four largest distributors, described the law - which took effect on 17 April - as "un unjustified and unnecessary intrusion into the free functioning of a liberalised market" in a fashion that was not merited by the supposed benefits to consumers.


According to Apetro, the legislation contains "several juridical and constitutional irregularities" from the point of view of national and European Union law, and represents a restriction on private initiative.


According to reports, four distributors on 7 April sought an injunction from Lisbon's administrative tribunal, but failed to secure a provisional delay in the law's implementation.


A review carried out by Lusa News Agency at filling stations in the Lisbon area found that the price of basic fuels at the four leading chains of filling stations was two cents per litre less than those previously applied to so-called 'normal' fuels.