The National Energy Commission (CNE) is seeking government approval for an 11.3% rise in electricity prices applicable from July 1st. They claim that the hike takes into account rising production costs and is designed to make domestic energy bills more closely reflect real energy costs.

Industry minister Miguel Sebastián has reacted by saying that the proposal is "more reasonable than the 20% rise being bandied about last week," but reiterated that the CNE's proposal is not binding.

The archive photo shows Mr Sebastián chatting to Spain's new Equality minister, Bibiano Aido, at a recent press conference.