Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced four targeted support measures for April and May, with a total cost of around €300 million.
“We are leading efforts to shape a common European response. Until then, we are also taking unilateral action nationally,” he said.
The package covers road diesel, a digital fuel card for households, assistance with fertiliser costs and compensation for ferry companies linked to compulsory ticket discounts.
Diesel support
The Government will subsidise road diesel at distribution level by 16 cents per litre.
Including VAT, the Prime Minister said, that should reduce the final price for consumers and professionals by 20 cents per litre.
The aim is to prevent the global oil-price rise from passing through the supply chain, goods transport and agricultural production into higher product prices.
Digital fuel card
A special Digital Fuel Card will help households cope with higher petrol prices.
It can be used at petrol stations, on public transport and in taxis.
The support is calculated at an average of 36 cents per litre. Based on average monthly consumption of 70 litres, the Prime Minister said it amounts to €50 over two months on the mainland and €60 on the islands.
Eligibility criteria will be broadened to cover approximately three million of Greece's four million vehicle owners.
Fertilisers
To help farmers facing sudden fertiliser-price increases, the state will subsidise 15% of the value of purchase invoices.
Ferry tickets
Special compensation will be introduced for ferry companies facing higher marine-fuel costs.
It will be tied to mandatory ticket discounts, with the aim of keeping ferry fares close to the previous year's levels.
The Prime Minister also said part of the package's cost should be covered by sectors with increased profitability but a smaller social contribution.
Taxation of players' winnings from online casino-style gambling will therefore change, with the aim of raising €100 million. The responsible ministers would explain the intervention and the programme's detailed provisions.
Mr Mitsotakis said the measures were made possible by the economy's positive course and prudent fiscal management. They were intended to strengthen society's protection during turbulent times without putting previous gains at risk.
The Prime Minister's statement
“From the first moment of the conflict in Iran, I said the Government would take initiatives to provide a shield against the consequences of this new major crisis.
“We acted immediately on the geopolitical front, protecting Cyprus, stability and energy security in the region.
“At the same time, we must support households and businesses against international economic instability, particularly in fuels, which affect production costs, product prices and daily life.
“You know that Greece is already leading efforts to shape a common European response. Until then, however, the Government is determined to act unilaterally at national level, always within our fiscal means.
“So today I am announcing four targeted measures for April and May. The programme is worth around €300 million, while its support is directed at almost the whole population.”
