Probably the cheapest and most convenient energy source for cooking, water & central heating. Mains gas is only available in Lisbon, although a few housing estates / blocks of flats have communal piped gas from a central storage tank. Most households use bottled gas (butane or propane). Butane is the most commonly used and comes in both 11kg and 45kg bottles. Many shops, and most bars, sell 11kg bottled gas, so there’s no need to worry about running out and not being able to get a replacement bottle. A new 11kg bottle costs around 30 euros (which includes a deposit on the bottle). A replacement bottle (you swap your empty bottle for a full one) costs around 15 euros.
Gas installers are licensed by the Directorate of Energy (), who also appoint independent Gas Inspectors who carry out regular safety inspections of gas systems (an inspecyion certificate costs about 25 euros).
Owners of houses used for domestic residence should have an inspection of the gas system every five years. There are stricter rules for houses used for short-term tourist accommodation.
- Wherever possible keep bottles outside buildings, in secure, well-ventilated store rooms.
- Bottles must have a pressure reducing valve, reduction valves for propane are set to different pressures to those for butane and it is dangerous to use the incorrect valve.
- Flexible rubber tubes should be less than 80cm long, and be stamped with the numbers IPQ ET 1038 or NP 1038, and the date of validity. Each end of the tube must be properly clamped to the fitting.
- Always keep gas bottles in an upright position, with the valve on top, and protect the reducer valve from damage.
- Always keep gas bottles above ground level, never place them where gas can accumulate in a basement or other low spot.
- Never let gas bottles get hot, keep them at least 1.5 metres from ovens and other sources of heat.