Ribera announces an agreement with Brussels to extend the Iberian exception until December 31

BRUSSELS, March 28 (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera, announced on Tuesday an agreement with the European Commission to extend the Iberian exception until December 31, which will be taken to the Council of Ministers today, although the formal adoption will remain pending. by Brussels.

"It is a tool that will allow us to continue protecting Spanish and Portuguese consumers until the end of the year," he pointed out upon his arrival in Brussels to participate in the regular meeting of energy ministers of the European Union (EU).

As the minister explained, this decision supposes not only an extension of the Iberian exception that was already applied, but also implies some "adjustments to accommodate it", such as the price reference, which until now increased by five euros per month, and now it will be "softer", about two euros.

"The curve by which this reference is increased each month becomes longer and smoother", indicated the minister, to explain that it will go from 55 euros of the current reference to 65 euros in December.

However, he has indicated that if natural gas prices remain at current prices, the mechanism will probably not be activated, although if necessary, it would allow a "reasonable" price to be maintained, not so "dependent" on the evolution of natural gas. .