From the enactment of the emergency legislative act until June 30, 2026, a cap will be imposed on profit margins for fuels. Specifically, the wholesale profit margin cannot exceed €0.05 per liter, while retail stations are prohibited from exceeding €0.12 per liter. Special measures will apply for the islands.

Papastavrou also referred to renewable energy sources (RES), which provide a buffer against price increases. “The next step is the development of the hydrocarbons sector, and tomorrow we will have the vote on the ratification of the agreement with Chevron and Hellenic Energy.”

On his part, Takis Theodorikakos noted that developments in the Middle East are creating international unrest, raising concerns for the supply chain as well. “Inflation is a risk that threatens disposable income. In situations like this, we must do everything in our power to protect society, especially the middle class and vulnerable social groups,” he said.

“We can and are determined to curb profiteering. Every wrongdoer will be held accountable,” he said. Wholesale and retail sectors will maintain their profit margins for a limited period. “Today, the government is pushing forward an emergency decree so that by tonight it will be published in the Government Gazette, allowing the measures to take immediate effect.”

Earlier, during his meeting with Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a cap on profit margins for both fuel and supermarket products, set for a three-month period. “Obviously, we cannot address the primary price increases, but we are certainly sending a message that this economic turmoil must not lead to profiteering, which would only worsen an already existing problem,” he emphasized.

Emergency Measures to Curb War-Related Price Gouging in Iran Announced

The government’s emergency measures to tackle profiteering amid the war in Iran are being announced by Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, and Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos.

“There is no issue with supply adequacy at any level, especially regarding energy,” stressed Hatzidakis. The government is monitoring developments together with all European governments. “We will act once there is a clearer picture regarding the crisis and the economy. If this crisis had occurred in 2019, we would not have had the same room to maneuver. Today, any available leeway is due to the policy of fiscal responsibility.” As a third point, he clarified that the government will crack down on profiteering.

“We can and are determined to control profiteering. Every wrongdoer will be held accountable,” he said. Wholesale and retail sectors will maintain their profit margins for a limited period. “Today, the government is pushing forward an emergency legislative act so that by tonight it will be published in the Government Gazette, allowing the measures to take immediate effect.”

Papastavrou: Profit Margin Cap in Effect Until June 30, 2026

“The crisis in the Middle East is causing severe turbulence and uncertainty, impacting citizens’ lives. The Mitsotakis government has proven it has the reflexes to respond to global crises,” he said, highlighting preventive interventions in the liquid fuels market to prevent unfair profiteering.

From the enactment of the emergency legislative act until June 30, 2026, a cap will be imposed on profit margins for fuels. Specifically, the wholesale profit margin cannot exceed €0.05 per liter, while retail stations are prohibited from exceeding €0.12 per liter. Special measures will apply for the islands.