Support measures for island residents and airfares requested by Manos Konsolas
The need for additional support measures for island residents, particularly regarding the cost of air tickets, was highlighted by Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas during his speech in the Hellenic Parliament.
As he pointed out, beyond the expected legislative intervention aimed at stabilizing ferry ticket prices, the global energy crisis is also expected to significantly impact the operating costs of airlines, potentially leading to increased airfares.
Mr. Konsolas referred to the support measures already being implemented for island regions, where transportation and fuel costs are inherently higher. Among these is the Fuel Pass subsidy, provided through a digital card for use at fuel stations, public transport, and taxis.
Specifically, the subsidy amounts to €60 for cars in island areas and €35 for motorcycles.
At the same time, a subsidy on diesel fuel at the pump is being introduced, amounting to €0.16 per liter for all consumption during April 2026, aiming to contain prices. Additionally, a 15% subsidy on fertilizer purchase invoices is being granted to farmers.
The MP emphasized that these measures are funded by the state budget, within the country’s fiscal capacity, while underlining the need for a coordinated European response to the energy crisis.
He noted that activating an escape clause for related expenditures at the EU level could significantly alter the landscape, whether through reductions in excise taxes, financial support to member states, or the creation of a dedicated funding program to address the crisis’s impact on European economies and societies.
