Greek deputy PM outlines new fuel subsidies and says US ambassador change won’t affect ties

In an interview on ERTnews, Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Chatzidakis said the government will maintain diesel fuel subsidies month after month and will adjust its support for 95-octane unleaded gasoline using a new mechanism. He unveiled a triple-layered assistance plan for heating oil, featuring a 30% boost to the vulnerable-group allowance, direct state backing and expected contributions from refineries, aiming for an initial price far under €1.75 per litre.

Chatzidakis emphasized that Greece’s fiscal space is limited but sufficient to weather a tough energy winter. He also addressed the removal of US ambassador Kimberley Gill, stating that the development is an internal US matter and does not alter the high level of Greece-US cooperation, a point underscored during Marco Rubio’s recent successful visit. Additionally, he noted that Europe may need to adopt new policies if the energy crisis deepens and mentioned ongoing plans to redevelop the Elaiona area in Athens.