Tensions in the Middle East and adverse economic conditions in Spain and Portugal were blamed for Galp’s sharp decrease in revenue.   

Galp petrol station profits fell 21% in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period last year with the adjusted net income in the third quarter falling a full 42.3%.

The figures were released on Monday in a statement to the market in which the company refers to "supply constraints in some oil-producing countries, especially Iraq and Libya, and geopolitical tensions, particularly around Syria" and that in the Iberian market the volume of petroleum products sold in first months of the year dropped by 7% due to "adverse economic conditions."

Investigators tracked down a convicted Britsh sex offender to a strip club in Quarteira after he had breached his licence conditions in the UK and fled to Portugal.

The investigators tracked Nigel Burnell to the bar in Quarteira having tracked him to Portugal. Former detective Mark Williams-Thomas was working for an ITV documentary ‘On The Run’ which traces wanted criminals.

An Algarve businessman has created a line of golfing accessories in cork, including a hand made golf bag, an Algarve first, which is ecological, waterproof and lightweight.

The range has been designed and produced in the Algarve in Portuguese cork, a 100% natural material, biodegradable but durable enough for a long lifetime, according to creator Nuno Nascimento.

Farmers and wineries agree with the regional agricultural board which estimates that the Algarve region will produce more grapes this year than last, leading to a welcome boost in wine production - and quality.

"Our forecasts which are given to the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho (Institute of Vine and Wine) point to a production increase of around 10%. In terms of grape production our estimate at this time is for an increase of 20%," according to the director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Fernando Severino.

A further 107 drivers were stopped this weekend and will be prosecuted, fined and their licenses suspended for varying periods of time. Some face jail.

The National Republican Guard (GNR) arrested 157 drivers this weekend for a variety of offences, the majority of which were for driving under the influence of alcohol (107) and for driving without a driving license (19) - a pretty essential part of the necessary paperwork when in charge of a vehicle.

The Hospital Centre of the Algarve was created amid much local criticism and worry as a result of a report that the government seems unwilling to make public. The Left Bloc has asked the ministry of health three times for the document to be made available so that its contents can openly be discussed in parliament, to no avail.

In a statement to parliament the Left Bloc has asked for an explanation as to why the report is being kept secret despite its impact on the Algarve’s health services, the grouping of hospitals under one management and the subsequent merging of facilities.

The government in France has rescinded a new savings tax after a protest in Brittany turned violent.

The retroactive levy of 15.5% on savings plans, likely to hit the middle classes, was due to start in January 2014.

A retired Australian couple were duped into smuggling drugs worth £4 million back into the country.

The pensioners had ‘won’ a dream holiday to Canada.  AUSCAN Tours, the travel company which awarded the prize, seemed genuine.