Regulation
Greece sets a €32 million measure for ferry fuel costs
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The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy said on 12 November 2026 that the government is proceeding with a €32 million measure for ferry fuel costs. Support is €0.16 per litre of marine fuel for purchases from 1 September to 31 December 2026, subject to European Commission approval.
Source: Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy (opens in a new tab)
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy said in a release dated 12 November 2026 that the government is proceeding with a new €32 million measure aimed at limiting the impact of rising fuel costs on ferry operators, containing ticket prices and safeguarding maritime connectivity for the islands. The measure was developed in cooperation with the institutional representatives of the ferry sector. It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy and the Ministry of National Economy and Finance.
Minister Vassilis Kikilias said: “The ferry sector is of vital importance for our islands and for the transportation of island residents. Rising fuel costs are placing significant pressure on ferry companies. That is why we are proceeding with a new €32 million measure aimed at easing the burden on companies, helping to contain ferry operating costs and providing tangible support to our island residents.”
The measure provides for financial support amounting to €0.16 per litre of marine fuel, for fuel purchases made from 1 September to 31 December 2026. It applies both to ferry companies operating on non-subsidised routes and to those serving Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes.
The ministries and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) are finalising the terms. The aim is a fully electronic process for submission, verification and payment, through electronic cross-checking of the supporting documents. The measure is expected to be implemented under the European State aid framework METSAF, subject to the required approval by the European Commission. The release says provision is also made for extending the measure, should the fuel price crisis continue and the corresponding European framework be prolonged.
The new measure complements the scheme, introduced for the first time this year, providing for up to €60 million in compensation to ferry companies for mandatory passenger discounts. Through these two measures, with a total budget of up to €92 million, the release says efforts to maintain the viability of the ferry network and ensure uninterrupted transport services to the islands are further strengthened.