Greek shipping minister says energy costs were contained — Cyprus Mail

Greek Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vasilis Kikilias said that government policy on shipping fuel helped prevent additional energy-cost impacts on the wider economy and households. According to him, the authorities' position made it possible to avoid the introduction in 2027–2035 of taxes amounting to billions of euros that could have been passed on to the real economy.

As Cyprus Mail reports, Kikilias called the cost of living the biggest problem for Greek families. He said the state would use available budgetary capacity to support the population as long as economic pressure persists.

Ferries and passenger traffic

The minister also said that over the past two years, the country had managed to contain ferry ticket prices despite difficult market conditions. During the summer season, Attica's ports served 3,193,602 passengers, 4% more than in the same period of the previous year.

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At the port of Rafina, the number of passengers rose by 22%, to 630,864 people. Kikilias noted that extending the tourist season supports accommodation businesses, restaurants, retail, transport, suppliers, as well as small and family businesses.

Vessel inspections and migration

According to Kikilias, the Greek coast guard conducted more than 2,000 vessel inspections during the summer, up 25% year on year. He emphasized the need to maintain stable ferry connections and transport safety.

Separately, the minister said that migration flows from the Turkish coast had decreased by 58% compared with 2025. He noted that the Greek and Turkish coast guards currently have good operational cooperation and open communication channels, while calling for readiness for different scenarios to be maintained. Kikilias also supported continuing dialogue with Turkey, emphasizing that Greece's position on its maritime borders, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone remains unchanged.