Algarve is one of the most Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations, but its future is being threatened by the possibility of oil exploration. An anti-drilling movement called PALP (Platform Algarve Free of Oil) has delivered a petition signed by more than 7,000 Portuguese to the Parliament calling on politicians to prevent any further work on the projects. In the meantime, however, eight contracts have been signed for exploration and exploitation of oil and gas.
“The contracts will be analyzed from a legal point of view,” said Secretary of State for Energy, Jorge Sanches, adding that termination of the contracts could lead to compensation demands. The company Portfuel signed a contract for oil exploration in Aljezur and Tavira, however, it hasn’t revealed the value of the contract.
