Portugal proposes total ban on diesel and petrol cars by 2035

Portugal's centre-left Socialist Party has proposed a ban on all diesel and petrol-only cars in the country by 2035 in a bid to tackle its carbon emissions.

Members have also suggested phasing out of state subsidies and tax breaks for fossil fuel usage but admit this could come into action sooner if all parties reach parity.

This comes following news of similar actions in both the UK and Japan to switch towards greener engines for vehicle use.

Read more: UK to ban all sales of diesel and petrol vehicles by 2030

The bill has received support across the board. If all the nation's left-wing parties banded together to support the bill, it would reach a majority within the Lower House.

However, as the bill affects free trade, it would likely require ratification from the European Union - who themselves are currently brainstorming ideas about phasing out fossil fuels.

Many European bloc countries have decided between 2030 and 2040 as their deadline for phasing out fossil fuels.

However, with supply chains being thrown into chaos owing to the pandemic, semiconductor supply - what are essential in electronics - has been low.

Many suppliers are stockpiling chips for electronics companies, whose products have been in high demand as more people than ever are stuck at home due to the virus.

Semiconductors are required as a fuel source for electric vehicles, and the short supply has led to several key automakers cutting production until supply rebalances.

Read more: Semiconductor shortage causes major automakers to cut production

It is currently unknown how this will affect many nation's plans to phase out traditional combustion engines.

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