Government: measures on fuel and heating

The government announced on Friday 18 September 2026 a package of measures on fuel and heating prices, detailing the announcements the prime minister had made at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair a few days earlier. According to the government announcement, the objective of this intervention is to support households facing rising energy costs, particularly as the winter period approaches and heating demand increases. The measures target fuel prices, heating allowances, and possible reductions in special consumption taxes, though final details have not yet been disclosed.

The government plan includes, according to what has become known, four main measures aimed at addressing energy costs for households ahead of the winter period, however a complete analysis of each one separately has not yet been made public. One of them concerns a possible reduction in the Special Consumption Tax on heating oil, though this remains conditional on decisions at EU level. Another involves increasing the state heating allowance for eligible households, with the goal of keeping heating oil prices below €1.75 per litre for subsidised purchases. The measures also encompass support for businesses in specific sectors and possible adjustments to energy taxation to reduce the burden on consumers.

For households, the government announcement does not yet specify the amount of the heating allowance increase, eligibility criteria, or the date these measures will begin; all such details are expected to be finalised and made public in the next phase, according to statements from officials. The timing of implementation is crucial for households preparing for winter heating needs, and the government has indicated that further clarifications will be provided in the coming weeks. Citizens who wish to benefit from these measures are advised to monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Finance and the relevant government agencies.

Implementation of the package remains linked to developments at EU level, particularly regarding the reduction of the Special Consumption Tax, while a further announcement is expected with details of how the heating allowance will be implemented before the winter period begins. Polls and household surveys conducted in Greece regularly show that energy costs are a major concern for families, particularly those with lower incomes, and government support measures are typically announced in the autumn ahead of the winter heating season.