The Greek government will not permit any increases in passenger ferry ticket prices during the peak summer season, Deputy Minister for Shipping and Island Policy Stefanos Gikas affirmed in Parliament on Monday.
His statement came as lawmakers questioned the ministry about double-digit percentage increases in freight charges for island transport.
Responding to concerns raised by Pasok MP Georgios Nikitiadis regarding the steep rise in prices for transporting trucks to the islands, Mr. Gikas reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining stable fares for passengers and their vehicles on conventional ferries throughout the summer months. “There will be no price hikes in passenger ferry tickets or vehicle fares during the summer period,” the deputy minister stated firmly.
Addressing the broader issue of fair transportation costs for island residents and businesses, Mr. Gikas noted that Greece is currently reviewing its “island transport equivalent” policy.
This mechanism aims to offset the higher transportation costs faced by those living and operating businesses on the islands.
“We are in a process of rationalizing the transport equivalent, with both sectoral and regional specialization,” he said.
As part of this effort, the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Island Policy signed an agreement with the Centre of Planning and Economic Research (KEPE) on Monday.
The agreement will facilitate the annual implementation of two key tools: the Island Entrepreneurship Barometer and the Price Observatory in the island regions.
According to Mr. Gikas, these instruments will “provide clearer insight into price trends across essential categories that affect the cost of doing business in the islands.”
The deputy minister also assured lawmakers that payments under the island transport equivalent scheme are forthcoming. “As we have already announced, compensation for passenger transport will be disbursed in the coming days, covering a large number of months in 2024,” Mr. Gikas said, adding that payments for businesses related to the second half of 2022 will also be released once necessary checks are completed.
Mr. Gikas further highlighted a significant increase in subsidies for so-called “unprofitable ferry routes” that connect remote islands. In 2019, these subsidies amounted to €90 million. Today, the figure has reached €152 million, and we expect it to increase to €168 million in the next tender,” he stated.
He emphasized that all such tenders are conducted via international procedures and are subject to audit by the Hellenic Court of Audit.
Mr. Gikas said that the government is committed to supporting islanders through increased subsidies, enhanced oversight, and updated data tools to inform policy decisions.
“This is a demonstration of respect toward island residents and a sign of our investment in island life,” he said.