Spain Caps Energy Prices as Consumers Face Soaring Butane Costs

The Spanish government has stepped in to cap rising energy prices, limiting the increase of regulated household gas tariffs and butane bottle costs.

According to a new decree, the household gas tariff will not be allowed to rise by more than 15% in the October review. This intervention is expected to mitigate a potential increase of over 45%, which was forecast due to international gas price hikes. Over 3.1 million Spanish households rely on this regulated TUR tariff.

The government has also set a maximum price for traditional 12.5kg butane bottles at €19.55, effective until June 2027. Currently, the regulated maximum is €18.84, which came into effect on September 15. Around seven million people in Spain use bottled butane, particularly in areas without a natural gas network.

Some consumers have reported being charged as much as €25 for what they claim is the basic 12.5kg bottle. However, the government emphasizes that this higher price may not necessarily reflect additional costs or services included with the bottle supply, such as transporting it to the customer's home.