![Support measures: Emergency aid and fuel subsidy](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ot_taxes3-3.png)
Finance Minister Christos Staikouras announced four new measures, with a total cost of 1.1 billion euros, to strengthen households (mainly the middle class and the most vulnerable) and businesses.
If we add to these, the minister said, the measures that are already being discussed in parliament (reduction of ENFIA, subsidy for agricultural fuel, fertilizers, etc.), the cost amounts to 1.7 billion euros.
In particular, the interventions are as follows:
1. The subsidy for electricity is significantly increased, the subsidy for natural gas is continued and companies are also subsidized. The cost for April is 640 million euros.
2. Financial support to 1.4 million vulnerable households before Easter:
– An additional 1.5 installment of child allowance is granted in April
– An allowance of 200 euros is granted to 677,000 low-income pensioners
– An allowance of 200 euros is granted to 35,000 uninsured elderly people
– An allowance of 200 euros is granted to the disabled
– A double installment is granted to the beneficiaries of the guaranteed minimum income.
The total cost amounts to 324 million euros.
3. Fuel subsidy is provided:
– There will be a direct fuel subsidy for 3 months to individuals and freelancers with a family income of up to 30,000 euros. 60 litres of fuel per month will be subsidized, at 0.22 euros per litre, while for island areas it will be 0.27 euros per litre. The minister said that the average monthly consumption is 54 litres.
– Diesel is directly subsidized with 0.15 euros per litre.
– In April, a 200-euro allowance will be granted to taxis.
The total cost amounts to 130 million euros.
4. The installments for the payment of the “repayable advances” are increased to 96 from 60. Reductions for the repayment of government loan amounts remain, such as the 15 pct discount on the one-off repayment. According to the minister, the state has provided loans of 8.3 billion euros through “repayable advances” and will collect 3 billion euros.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-16T110250Z_1107936467_RC2BW8AZP0U4_RTRMADP_5_EU-PARLIAMENT-2048x1366-1-600x400.jpg)
Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament
Her second term will be for a period of two and a half years
![ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/epixeiriseis_2-600x414.jpg)
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
![Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olp1-scaled-1-2048x1312-1-600x384.jpg)
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
![ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_georg_PROIONTA_money-1-600x352.png)
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
![Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blackout-1-600x457.png)
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
![Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ploio-600x400.jpg)
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
![Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/euros-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
![First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hellenic-seaplanes-pilotikes-ptiseis-ydatino-pedio-lavriou-600x450.jpeg)
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight
![ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/unnamed-41.jpg)
ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y
The same price index had decreased 20.8% from May 2022 to May 2023