A package of support measures for the shipping industry, amounting to 55-57 million euros and aimed at containing ticket prices, was presented to Parliament on Thursday by the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias.
As he pointed out, this initiative is being taken during a difficult juncture, as shaped by the war in the Middle East and the rise in fuel costs. Kikilias emphasized that the government’s primary objective is to prevent the passing on of increased fuel costs to passengers, so that ticket prices remain at affordable levels for the average Greek citizen and the Greek family, while simultaneously ensuring uninterrupted access to the islands.
In this context, he highlighted that the intense fluctuations in international oil prices significantly burden the operation of shipping companies, as every increase of 10 dollars per barrel entails an additional cost that can reach up to 10 million euros per month.
The total cost of the crisis is already estimated at between 36-40 million euros, creating pressure both on the sustainability of the sector and on the daily lives of citizens who depend on maritime transport. Through the promoted package of measures, the State assumed the coverage of the cost of mandatory discounts already provided by shipping companies.
In this way, the companies are supported without transferring the extra cost to passengers, while simultaneously creating conditions of stability for the market. Kikilias noted that this intervention has a strong social footprint, as it covers a wide range of social groups already entitled to mandatory discounts on ferry tickets, such as students with a 50% discount, children with discounts reaching up to 75% or full exemption depending on age, large families with a 50% discount, people with disabilities and reduced mobility with a 50% discount.
At the same time, special categories such as permanent residents of small islands are also covered within the framework of insular policy. This ensures that these discounts are maintained in their entirety without burdening either the citizens or the viability of the routes.
Closing, the Minister pointed out that the State is intervening in a fair and balanced manner, strengthening a critical sector of the economy and ensuring the country’s insular cohesion, even in periods of international uncertainty.
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