Rising fuel and energy prices are adding to the financial strain on households, with industry representatives warning that motorists are paying more at the pump and electricity bills are expected to climb next month.
Speaking on the Greek television program Koinonia Ora MEGA, Maria Zagka, president of the Attica Fuel Retailers Association, described the sharp increase in fuel prices, particularly for diesel.
According to Zagka, regular unleaded gasoline is currently selling for about €1.99 per liter, while diesel has climbed above €2.01 per liter, a development she said has left drivers increasingly frustrated.
She noted that the retail price of regular unleaded currently includes a €0.10-per-liter government subsidy, meaning prices could rise by another 10 cents if the measure is withdrawn. She also said diesel prices have continued to accelerate, recalling that the fuel recently rose from around €1.98 per liter to more than €2.01 per liter in a short period.
The recent increases have been attributed to international geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine. Zagka also highlighted a sharp rise in the price of automotive liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), saying it has increased by more than 60%.
Electricity Bills Expected to Rise
Zagka and consumer representative Apostolos Raftopoulos also warned that electricity costs are likely to increase in August.
According to their estimates, the retail price per kilowatt-hour could be approximately €0.18 higher than it was the previous month. However, they said it remains unclear how much of that increase electricity providers will absorb.
