Crete’s fuel prices remain among Greece’s highest as national unleaded average tops €2 a liter
Fuel prices in Crete remain among the highest in Greece, with the average price of unleaded gasoline exceeding €2 per liter across all four of the island’s regional units, according to the national fuel price observatory cited by neakriti.gr.
The average price of unleaded in Heraklion stands at €2.061 per liter, followed by Lasithi at €2.054, Rethymno at €2.048 and Chania at €2.028, the outlet reported. Prices are said to rise further in inland areas of the island.
The high prices come as Greeks head into the Assumption holiday period (Dekapentavgoustos) in mid-August, when travel volumes typically increase. The report noted that many people are opting for shorter trips this year because of travel costs, pointing to the fact that major Greek cities have not emptied out in August to the extent seen in previous years.
National price data
According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Development, the average nationwide price of unleaded gasoline is €2.020 per liter, while diesel for vehicles averages €2.060 per liter.
The highest unleaded prices nationally are recorded in the Cyclades, ranging from €2.22 to €2.27 per liter, while the lowest are found in urban centers, at €1.98 to €1.99 per liter. For diesel, the Cyclades again record the highest price, at €2.30 per liter, with urban centers at around €2.00 per liter.
The ministry data indicate that without refinery discounts and a state subsidy on unleaded gasoline in August, pump prices would be higher. Without the refinery discount, the average nationwide unleaded price would be €2.120 per liter rather than €2.020. Refineries are applying a 10-cent discount on unleaded for August.
Similarly, without refinery and state discounts, the average nationwide diesel price would be €2.210 per liter rather than €2.060. Refineries are applying a 5-cent discount on diesel for August, in addition to a 10-cent state subsidy.
Diesel subsidy in effect until August 31
A state subsidy on diesel for vehicles has been in effect since August 1, aimed at limiting increased transport costs due to high fuel prices, according to the report. The subsidy amounts to 8 cents per liter before VAT, translating into a benefit of roughly 10 cents per liter in the final price paid by consumers. The measure is scheduled to remain in effect through August 31.
Market sources cited in the report said that, for now, only temporary relief can be expected, such as a recent agreement to keep the Strait of Hormuz open until Wednesday, which pushed oil prices below €80 a barrel. They cautioned that instability in the Middle East does not favor a swift end to the inflationary pressure on fuel, meaning prices are unlikely to soon return to pre-February 2026 levels.
Survey: citizens want lower taxes on fuel and basic goods
A survey conducted by Pulse RC on behalf of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry found that the high cost of living remains the most significant problem for the large majority of citizens, according to the report.
The survey found broad support for reducing VAT on basic goods and excise tax on fuel as a way to limit prices: 83% of respondents viewed such a measure positively, with 58% saying they were “definitely positive” and 25% “probably positive.” Only 10% expressed a negative view, while 7% had no opinion.
The survey also assessed public opinion of the “Poso Kanei” (“How Much Does It Cost”) digital platform, created to allow comparison of product prices. Of respondents, 32% rated the platform positively, 49% rated it negatively and 19% expressed no opinion.
Giannis Chatzitheodosiou, president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the survey results confirm that the high cost of living remains the biggest challenge for households and businesses. He said the finding that 83% of citizens favor reducing VAT on basic goods and excise tax on fuel shows the measure enjoys broad public support, adding that lowering indirect taxes has long been a position of the chamber, which believes such a step could help contain prices, strengthen consumers’ purchasing power and boost the market. He said the survey findings send a strong message to the state that targeted interventions with direct benefits for society and the real economy are needed.
