Ticket prices for high-speed ferries have been cut by up to 32% for this season for all destinations, according to Vasilis Kikilias, the Greek minister of maritime affairs and insular policy.
Ferry operators in Greece have launched a wave of discounts, which especially benefit Greek families and larger groups.
The Greek minister spoke about the up to 32% reduction in ticket prices on high-speed ferries, explaining that the intervention was made following the non-increase in ticket prices on conventional ships and within the framework of an overall policy with a social dimension, which aims to strengthen the middle class and support the Greek family.
The market had announced that from May 1 Greece would have 13%-15% increases in conventional ferry tickets. This would not have been easily absorbed by the Greek society, the minister said, adding that the Greek government made a great effort by bringing a provision to the parliament, reducing port fees by 50%, so that Greece could contain prices.
The minister underlined that the move sought to maintain affordability for both Greeks and tourists traveling to the islands.
“We will not tolerate profiteering at the expense of citizens,” stressed on Wednesday the minister on the Greek media channel ANT1, where he referred in detail to the issue of ferry tickets, the government’s actions to control prices, but also to the effects of geopolitical instability in the Middle East on Greek shipping and the economy.
“After 7 years of continuous increases in ferry ticket prices – from 2017 to 2024, they have increased by 38%, the government decided and legislated – and indeed, without setting a ceiling and without intervening in the free economy – the reduction of port fees by 50%. And speaking to the market, this year we have reductions of up to 32% in economy class tickets. And we will continue this effort. It is our obligation and my obligation.”
He pointed out, however, that the international crisis conditions may change the data. “If, however, the military conflict in the Middle East continues for a long time, the government will adjust its strategy accordingly and then, of course, the ferry tickets will not be the top priority. There will be even more basic things for the Greeks, as well as for all Europeans, related to primary production, with fuel, etc, but also with the ferry tickets.”
On the issue of the pricing policy of the companies, he warned: “In everything that has to do with the ferry companies – and especially the large ones that have the main volume of transportation – when prices were and had reached 60 dollars, that is, 10-12% lower, they had pre-purchased fuel at the prices at that time. Therefore, in no case can we and will not let any change be linear. In no case.”
Referring to the governmental control against phenomena of exploitation, the minister clarified: “I warn: There is the competition commission and there is the general secretariat of the ministry of commerce. We have communicated with both, and both are on stand-by. We are not going to tolerate any moves of profiteering against Greek citizens anywhere.”
