Bloomberg Soaring petrol prices in the UK caused millions of people to avoid driving this summer, according to the country’s Office for National Statistics. About 44% of people experiencing a cost of living squeeze took fewer non-essential car trips, according to an ONS survey. The figures — combined with Visa credit card data showing people put less fuel in their ...

  Bloomberg Portugal plans to lower the value-added tax rate to 6% from 13% for a certain amount of electricity use as the government tries to help consumers face rising costs for energy and other goods. The decision will take effect in October, Prime Minister Antonio Costa said at a press conference in Lisbon on Monday evening. Other steps presented ...

  Bloomberg Italy is targeting a reduction in natural gas consumption through the winter season by increasing the use of coal, turning down heating across the country, and pushing to change citizens’ habits, according to a document circulated by the ministry for ecological transition. As the country faces the prospect of paying twice as much for energy imports as it ...