Greek fuel prices face further pressure as petrol could reach €2 per litre

Greek consumers are facing growing pressure from rising fuel costs, with industry representatives warning that petrol prices could reach €2 per litre during the winter amid surging international oil prices and geopolitical instability in the Middle East.

Speaking to ERT News Radio, Nikos Papageorgiou, president of the Attica Association of Fuel Station Owners and Traders, warned that consumers could eventually consider €2 per litre a relatively favorable price if the current upward trend continues.

International oil markets have been affected by geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, with Brent crude approaching $100 per barrel, according to the report. Fuel industry representatives argue that the increase is particularly difficult for Greek households to absorb given the country’s comparatively lower incomes.

Papageorgiou said Greece does not have the income levels of countries such as Switzerland or Austria, meaning that international energy price shocks can place significant pressure on low- and middle-income households.

HEATING OIL PRICES COULD RISE BY 70%
The outlook for household heating is also raising concerns.

According to estimates cited by the fuel industry, heating oil could begin the upcoming season at least 70% more expensive than at the start of the previous heating season.

The report also notes that households in northern Greece are already facing significant heating costs, with some residents turning to fireplaces as an alternative to more expensive heating options.

Industry representatives are calling on the Greek government to take stronger measures, including a substantial reduction in the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) ahead of October 15.

NATURAL GAS AT THE CENTER OF THE ENERGY PRICE DEBATE
Natural gas is also playing a central role in the broader increase in energy costs affecting heating oil, electricity and firewood.

Papageorgiou argued that what he described as misguided approaches to “green” energy policies had resulted in excessive dependence on natural gas, which he characterized as a major driver of recent negative developments in the energy market.

According to the industry representative, the early reduction of other energy production options has left consumers more exposed to fluctuations in natural gas and international energy prices.

With the winter approaching, the debate over fuel taxation, energy policy and government intervention is expected to intensify as Greek households prepare for potentially higher heating and transportation costs.