Ferries to increase prices
Island ferry fares are to increase before the summer season, but not nearly as much as shipping firms would like, following a meeting yesterday between the ministers of Merchant Marine and Economy. Government sources said the meeting had settled on an average 7 to 8 percent hike, although the precise figure will be determined by Economy Ministry officials once they have worked out the precise impact on inflation – which closed at 4 percent in March, higher than pessimistic estimates. Ferry firms are understood to have sought increases of up to 22.5 percent, although for certain routes they were prepared to half the ticket price. Shipping sources said they would await the ministry’s decision before commenting. The ministers are also believed to have agreed to abolish free ferry tickets for MPs, top military officers and other officials, retaining them only for children under 10, the disabled and people classified as destitute.
