Coal consumption in Portugal skyrocketed 56% in June compared to 12 months earlier, the energy agency (DGEG) said Monday, 13 August.

The country consumed just under 3,000 toe (tonne of oil equivalent) mainly to produce electricity as low rainfall meant the shortfall had to be made up by coal-burning plants.

Hydroelectric output was 63% down in the first half of 2012 compared with 2011.