Rising ferry fares are creating a new wave of price pressure, as these increases begin to filter through the supply chain, threatening to trigger a new round of price hikes in the market.
Shipping companies are already informing their customers that, starting July 1, they will raise rates for shipments to the islands, citing the price hikes imposed by ferry companies.
According to a document obtained by Euro2day.gr, a logistics company is informing its partners that, effective July 1, it will adjust its price lists for island transportation, citing the increases imposed by ferry companies.
As stated in the letter, “ferry companies have implemented increases in ferry fares, which are independent of fuel price fluctuations,” while the company estimates that “these are permanent increases, with no likelihood of prices falling to lower levels.”
This development, according to the same letter, changes the dynamics of transport cost formation. “It deprives us of the ability to flexibly adjust the fuel surcharge based on the trend of diesel prices for island Greece,” it is notably pointed out.
As a result, the company announces that “for all islands, we are obliged to adjust our price lists effective July 1, 2026,” adding that its customers will be informed shortly of the amount and details of the new charges.
Freight transport is a major cost factor for the islands, meaning that any permanent increase in freight rates is expected to affect a wide range of products.
In contrast, for mainland Greece, the same company states in its letter that “the fuel surcharge will continue to be adjusted for as long as the crisis in the Persian Gulf persists and affects fuel prices,” clarifying that the relevant adjustment will be made “in a fair manner and in accordance with prevailing market conditions”.
The increases in transportation costs coincide with the government’s efforts to find common ground with industry, suppliers, and supermarket chains to bring about price reductions on basic necessities.
No final agreement has yet emerged from the meetings held in recent days by Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos with representatives of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEVT) and the Hellenic Supermarket Association. However, reports suggest that a package of price cuts on basic consumer goods is being considered. Until specific decisions are made, the cap on profit margins remains in effect.