Greek Island Transport Subsidy Program Expanded

Eligible Greek island residents and businesses will now be able to claim higher fuel discounts as part of the government’s expanded “transport equivalent” measure, which was approved and published in the Government Gazette, the Greek Shipping Ministry announced.

The aim of the measure is to strengthen the growth potential of the Greek islands, balance the increasing cost of transporting fuel to the islands compared to mainland Greece, and meeting the needs of local residents and businesses.

The “Fuel Transport Equivalent” (ANHKO) subsidy will apply retrospectively for the 1 January-31 December 2023 period.

Photo source: Wikimedia.

The subsidy currently applies as part of a pilot program on the islands of: Agathonisi, Agios Efstratios, Agistri, Alonissos, Ammouliani, Amorgos, Anafi, Antikythira, Antiparos, Arkioi, Astypalaia, Gavdos, Donoussa, Elafonissos, Ereikousa, Heraklia, Thymaina, Ithaki, Ikaria, Ios, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kea, Kimolos, Kinaros, Koufonisia, Kythira, Kythnos, Levitha, Lipsi, Leros, Limnos, Mathraki, Marathi, Meganisi, Megisti, Milos, Nisyros, Othoni, Oinousses, Paxi, Patmos, Samothraki, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, Symi, Schinoussa, Telendos, Tilos, Folegandros, Fourni, Halki, Psara and Pserimos.

Interested parties can apply for the subsidy here. Applications require personal and tax information as well as invoices for relevant fuel needs.

Initially applicable to 49 Greek islands under a pilot scheme launched in 2018, the measure foresees discounts for fuel for permanent island residents now including teachers, doctors and military staff who have been temporarily positioned on the islands for a given period and Greek island-based businesses.