The reactions from citizens and political pressures regarding the increase in fuel prices starting Monday have led the government to expedite decisions on new measures against inflation.
Last Tuesday, the government side stated that the measures were still under consideration, but yesterday they seemed to have been finalized and it was announced that they would be presented today for final approval at the Cabinet meeting, within the context of an emergency session.
Information suggests that the measures to be discussed today in the Cabinet will not only focus on fuel but also on other measures whose validity expires in the coming weeks.
Yesterday, the Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, made an emergency visit to the Presidential Palace, where he met with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.
The discussion focused on the proposals put forward by the Ministry of Finance as well as proposals submitted by other ministers. The fiscal cost of the proposals was also examined.
However, it became known that President Christodoulides requested the issue to be resolved today.
Based on recent statements by the Minister of Finance, it is inferred that the measures to be announced today will be targeted, including any support as compensation for the upcoming increase in fuel tax by 8.3 cents per litre.
Keravnos has pointed out several times in recent days that both the European Union and other international organizations have recommended discontinuing horizontal support measures.
Already, the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare has categorized the beneficiaries who will continue to receive support in relation to the cost of fuel.
According to existing information, support will only be given to citizens who already receive some form of financial assistance from the state.
Specifically, the possibility of support targeting recipients of Minimum Guaranteed Income, large families, low-pensioners, single-parent families, or other groups is being considered.
Until late last night, technocrats from the Ministry of Finance were examining how targeted support for fuels would be implemented.
Various suggestions were discussed, including subsidizing the cost of fuels for these specific categories through grants, either via a card credit or some account.
Another option studied is the enhancement/increase of allowances already received by vulnerable citizen categories, so that the additional amount provided on a temporary basis is considered as covering the increased cost of fuel supplies.
At the same time, today the subsidy for the increase in the price of electricity is expected to be renewed for another short period.
The current subsidy expires at the end of April. This particular measure is considered partly targeted, as the subsidy is provided on a sliding scale and is linked to the amount of electricity consumed.
For vulnerable consumers, the electricity subsidy covers 100% of the increase in the price of electricity compared to the reference date.
The Cabinet will also consider today the possibility of extending the measure for reduced and zero VAT rates on essential products.
The measure for nine categories of products expires at the end of April, and for two others, concerning meat and vegetables, it expires at the end of May.
The possibility of granting a one-off extraordinary support allowance to certain citizen groups, as was done last February, also remains on the table.
