Communiqué from the Council of Government - Communiqué from the Council of Government - Communication

The Council of the Government, which met on April 12 by videoconference, has decided the following:

1 — Approve a resolution establishing financial support on an exceptional and temporary basis, applicable to consumption at gas stations and bulk supplies. The beneficiaries of this support are individuals and legal persons who purchase unleaded 95 petrol and road diesel at licensed gas stations located in the Autonomous Region of the Azores (RAA) or directly from distributing companies operating in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The support amounts to 0.11 Euros per litre of 95 petrol, and 0.10 Euros per litre of road diesel, including VAT. Retailers licensed as gas stations and distribution companies are eligible for support through a deduction on the maximum retail price applicable in the Region, including taxes. This resolution shall enter into force on April 18, 2022, and shall remain in force until April 30, 2022. 

2 — Approve a resolution creating a liquidity support programme designated as APOIAR.PT Azores Feb - Apr 2022 Programme, specifically directed at private companies headquartered in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The APOIAR.PT Azores Programme is instrumental in supporting the regional business sector by compensating for the drop in turnover related to the reduction in activity as a result of the covid-19 pandemic. Considering that the effects of the health crisis are enduring, aggravated by increased production costs associated with the scarcity of raw materials on international markets and logistical constraints, it is essential to extend the Azores APOIAR.PT Programme. The establishments located on the island of São Jorge will receive a 10% increase on the calculated support and a 20% increase on the established maximum limits.

3 — Authorise the transfer of €7,334,981.00 (seven million three hundred and thirty-four thousand nine hundred and eighty-one Euros) to the Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP), corresponding to the complementary financing of the " 2nd Semester Cattle Slaughter Premium" action under the Animal Production Premium" measure of the  POSEI-Azores subprogramme.