Greek minister of maritime affairs and insular policy Vasilis Kikilias was asked about the possibility of ferry ticket increases this summer, as oil prices climb because of the war in the Middle East.

He noted that last year, after seven straight years of increases in ferry ticket prices amounting in total to 48%, the market had announced a 15% rise, but this never materialised.

That, he said, was because the government reduced port fees and worked with the market, while discounts of up to 32% were also offered.

For now, though, he said no one could say how long the war would last.

Even so, he acknowledged that pressure was already building, with the surge in the price of oil.

“We will see how soon there will be a de-escalation,” he said.

Kikilias added that the Greek government, as it had done in all crises from the pandemic onwards, would be there to help and support. “It is a critical, difficult time. De facto, we have increases in oil prices right now. However, the Greek state and the government of Mitsotakis, in all the basic parts of the economy that affect Greeks, have proven in the past that they support and help citizens, and I believe the same will happen now,” he added.

The Greek minister spoke about the war situation in the Middle East, Greece’s stance and the effects of the war on shipping and the economies of the states, in an interview he gave to Greek Mega television.

In particular, regarding the assistance to Cyprus, he stated: “All Greeks who have a wound in our souls, due to the tragedy of the Cyprus problem, feel proud to see two of our frigates and two pairs of F-16s in Cyprus to protect the security of the island. I consider it very important, because from 1974 until today, we have seen, heard and experienced a lot. Our Cypriot brothers suffered a lot, but so did the Greeks. Our nation is here. This has boosted the psychology of the Greeks and their spirit and I wanted to mention it because I feel it too.”

Regarding the country’s defense policy and Turkey’s reactions, Mr. Kikilias stressed that Turkey “has been pursuing a consistent foreign policy for many years, which, many times, is against the national interests of Greece,” noting: “I have said many times that we must sit at the dialogue table, listen, negotiate and talk, but not retreat. In this context, the Greek Government and the Ministry of National Defense are doing what is necessary, in cooperation with NATO, in order to provide the security that is required. There are dangers there because it is a wider war zone in the Middle East, where sirens finally sounded in Cyprus and we had a drone that fell on the base in Akrotiri.”

He added that security in the wider neighbourhood has never ceased to be a top priority for the Greeks.

Regarding the effects of a war on the economy, he stated: “I recall that I was Minister of Tourism when the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis broke out, with which all of Europe was confronted. Do you remember that at that time, there were disaster scenarios for Greek tourism. What did that year prove? It was the year of the “return” of tourism after the pandemic. And despite the energy crisis, our tourism was resilient, it did very well – I recall 10 flights from America per week, many new destinations, upgrading our tourism product, significant profits for the private sector, our compatriots and islanders, but also for the Greek economy”.