Temperatures to go over 40C again in Spain after heatwave break, Spain scraps reduced VAT on petrol and diesel, and more news on Tuesday June 30th.
Temperatures to go over 40C again in Spain after heatwave break
Follow a temperature drop – albeit small in some parts – since Thursday in Spain, the mercury is expected to go up again this week.
Clear skies are expected across much of the country, which will favour plenty of sunshine and allow temperatures to remain high during the day, although the nights also promise to be scorching.
Spain’s weather agency Aemet has said it’s “too early” still to determine if it’s another heatwave, but the thermometer will hover between 35C and 40C by the weekend.
“In the final stretch of the week, a general rise in temperature is likely, with very high temperatures, both day and night, in most of the country,” Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo said.
Spain raises 2026 growth forecast despite Middle East war turmoil
The Spanish government on Monday raised its 2026 growth forecast to 2.6 percent from 2.2 percent, saying its economy was well positioned to overcome the energy shock and other turbulence stemming from the Middle East war.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo pointed to the “momentum” of the economy to justify the improved outlook, saying growth of around 0.64 percent was expected in the second quarter.
The European Union’s fourth-largest economy has comfortably outperformed its peers in recent years, recording 2.8 percent growth last year and 3.5 percent in 2024, fuelled by consumer demand, exports and tourism.
The Bank of Spain forecasts 2.3 percent growth this year amid fears of a slowdown linked to the Iran war, while the International Monetary Fund predicts 2.1 percent.
“We have dynamic growth, a more resilient economy capable of coping with shocks with more flexibility than in previous circumstances or occasions,” Cuerpo told a press conference.
Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli strikes sparked volatility on global energy markets and pushed inflation up worldwide.
But Spain’s National Statistics Institute said Monday that inflation remained at 3.2 percent in June for the third straight month, even as electricity and gas prices increased year-on-year, according to provisional data.
The government put in place measures worth €5 billion ($5.7 billion) in March to cushion the blow on households and businesses, including tax cuts and a direct subsidy for the hardest-hit sectors.
Spain scraps reduced VAT on fuel
On Monday, the Spanish cabinet approved the continuation of support for agriculture and transport, but VAT cuts on fuel are due to end from July.
The value-added tax (VAT) on fuels will return to 21 percent starting this Wednesday, July 1st.
The Cabinet has decided not to include the extension of the reduced rate of 10 percent in the royal decree that maintains other measures implemented to mitigate the economic effects of the war in Iran.
Among these measures, it has agreed to a direct reduction on hydrocarbons, which will be gradually phased out pending the consolidation of the peace agreement reached between the Islamic Republic and the United States.
More specifically, consumers will see a discount of 15 cents per litre in July, 10 cents in August, and five cents in September, while professionals in agriculture, fishing, and transportation will continue to receive the subsidy of 20 cents per litre of professional diesel.
Spain confident despite World Cup injury setbacks, says Llorente
Spain remain confident of winning the World Cup, defender Marcos Llorente said, despite a series of injuries that have ravaged La Roja’s options in wide areas.
Nico Williams described his latest injury setback as “one of the worst days of my life” after the Athletic Bilbao winger picked up another muscle problem in Friday’s 1-0 win over Uruguay. He retains a chance of playing again in the tournament, however.
Yeremy Pino suffered a collarbone issue in the same match that will keep him out of a last-32 showdown with Austria on Thursday.
New Liverpool signing Victor Munoz has not featured at the tournament yet after he too felt the recurrence a muscle injury.
Spain face off against Austria in the round of 32 on Thursday July 2nd at 9pm Madrid time.
With additional reporting by AFP.
