Government has legal means to protect Sines refinery, says minister

The Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, stated that the Government has the legal means to act in the event of a potential loss of national control over the Sines refinery, which is the only one in Portugal. This statement was made during a conference where Carvalho discussed the current situation of the company Galp and its operation at the Sines refinery.

Comments about the refinery emerge at a time when Galp is considering separating its commercial operations from its industrial activities. The minister emphasized that the Government can focus its participation in Galp on this refinery, which is seen as the most relevant part of the business by the State.

The minister's statement is also a response to the failure of negotiations with the company Moeve, which included the Sines refinery. According to Carvalho, the Government is prepared to protect national interests regarding this essential infrastructure.

Galp has already expressed its intention to restructure its operations, and this change may lead the State to concentrate its interests on the refinery, according to the minister. She highlighted that this possibility is not ruled out, depending on the direction Galp decides to take.

This discussion about the Sines refinery is part of a broader context in which the Government seeks to ensure it maintains control over strategic resources. Maria da Graça Carvalho reaffirmed the Executive's position in guaranteeing national sovereignty in energy management in Portugal.

The future of the Sines refinery and the role of the State in its operation remain critical topics, especially considering the importance of this infrastructure for the country's energy sector. The minister's statements aim to assure that the Government is attentive and prepared to intervene as necessary.