Greece freezes the prices of ferry tickets, after companies had announced that they would increase tickets by 15%
Island Thassos, photo: Hotnews
There will be no increases in the prices of ferry tickets this summer, despite the fact that, starting May 1, all coastal shipping ships consume a much more expensive type of fuel, writes the Greek press.
“The reduction of international oil prices, combined with the initiative of the Minister of Maritime Transport to impose a 50% reduction in port taxes, allow for maritime coastal transport companies to keep prices under control,” says Dionysis Theodoratos, president of the Association of Maritime Passenger Transport Companies.
In addition, the reduction of the port taxes imposed by the Government creates the necessary space to reduce the price of tickets to high -speed coastal ferries operating during the summer season. Also, the price observer of the Ministry of National Transport and Island Policy established that the highest increases in the prices of tickets in previous years, as well as the most expensive tickets (calculated on milestones), were recorded on the intra-cicladic routes at high-speed ferries.
Due to the obligation imposed by the EU to use “green” fuel, which is more expensive, starting May 1, ferry companies had announced that they would apply 12%-15%.
In order to limit prices and prevent 15%increases, the Government proceeded to reduce port fees by 50%
If the above movements were not made, the trip for a family with two children and a car to Syros and back would have cost up to 63 euros more, for Mytilene up to 86 euros more, for Santorini up to 92 euros and for Paros and Naxos with up to 81 euros.
Commenting on the evolution, the Minister of Maritime Transport, Vassilis Kikilias, said: “We are constantly working to support the Greek family on their travels,” he said.
In addition, as the ministerial sources emphasize, ferry companies offer discounts of up to 58 million in the case of poor families, those with many children, etc. For guidance, the 50% reduction for students and families with many children, 100% reduction for needy and children up to five years, 80% for people with disabilities and their accompanying and free for permanent residents of the islands are mentioned.
See here the up -to -date price of tickets at Thassos ferry.
