MP Ferhat brings border region fuel dealers' struggles to Parliament
Rhodope New Left Party MP Özgür Ferhat has submitted a parliamentary question highlighting the challenges faced by fuel dealers and small businesses in Greece’s border regions.
In his proposal, MP Ferhat pointed out that the economic crisis in these areas has deepened, urging the government to take immediate action.
The situation has worsened since January 1, 2025, when Bulgaria joined the Schengen Zone, leading to the removal of land border controls. As a result, economic conditions in the Greek-Bulgarian border regions have deteriorated significantly.
Significant Price Gap with Bulgaria
Ferhat emphasized that fuel prices in Bulgaria are considerably lower than in Greece, causing consumers to cross the border for fuel and other goods.
“The price difference is enormous:
- In Bulgaria, petrol is €0.50 per liter cheaper than in Greece.
- LPG prices are €350 per ton lower.
- This price gap has pushed fuel dealers and small businesses in Rodopi and other border areas to the brink of bankruptcy.”
Key Questions for the Government
MP Ferhat has called on the Greek government to take urgent steps and posed the following questions:
- What support measures will be implemented for small and medium-sized enterprises in border regions?
- Will the government consider reducing fuel taxes to help Greek businesses compete with Bulgaria?
- Is there a plan to temporarily lower Excise Duty and VAT on fuel in these areas?
- Are there any investment incentives or development plans to revive the local economy?
- “We Must Support Our Businesses”
Ferhat stressed that local businesses and fuel dealers in border regions can no longer endure the economic pressure and called for immediate government intervention.
“This is not just about local businesses; it’s a matter of fairness and economic survival. We must act now to prevent our people from being forced to rely on foreign markets,” he stated.
His initiative has given a voice to struggling businesses and residents in the region. Now, attention turns to how the government will respond to these pressing concerns.
