Greece Ferry Ticket Hikes Under Scrutiny

In an attempt to control increasing ferry ticket hikes, the Greek Shipping Ministry has called on the Hellenic Competition Commission to identify ferry companies that proceed with unreasonable price changes.

 In a letter he sent this week, Shipping Minister Christos Stylianidis requested the commission’s help so that there is a faster and more effective response to incidents of abusive market behavior.

“The ministry is making every effort to protect the interests of consumers/passengers in maritime transport, reduce fares, and improve the quality of services provided while expanding consumer choices,” the letter reads.

Shipping Minister Christos Stylianidis.

In the meantime, the ministry carried out 377 inspections in the June 7-16 period and reported seven price change violations which were penalized. The ministry said it would be increasing inspections in the coming period for the summer holidays.

Meanwhile, Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN) President Dionysis Theodoratos told the Athens News Agency (ANA-MPA) that member companies had not announced any price hikes and that fares were close to 2022 levels.

Increases, he said, had been reported only for fares on ships to Crete due to the implementation of a new EU trading system concerning the purchase of rights for carbon emissions. The fares to Crete increased by 2.7 percent or 1 euro for the economy class, he said.