The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy is requesting the cooperation of the Competition Commission on the issue of ferry ticket prices and the handling of any incidents of abusive behaviour by ferry companies.

According to sources from the ministry, the competent minister, Christos Stylianides, sent yesterday, Wednesday, June 26, a letter to the Competition Commission in which it is stressed that "the ministry is making every effort to protect the interests of consumers and passengers in maritime transport, reduce fares, and improve the quality of services provided while expanding consumer choice.".

It calls for closer cooperation between the services of the Ministry of Shipping and the Competition Commission in order to ensure a faster and more effective response to any incidents of abusive behaviour in the market on the part of shipping companies.

From June 7th to June 16th, 2024, the Ministry of Shipping, through the port authorities of the territory, did 377 checks on coastal passenger ferries and ferry vessels. Seven violations were found for failing to notify the appropriate authority about changes in ticket prices, and the process for imposing administrative sanctions and fines continued.

Already, the Ministry has announced that it will proceed to intensify controls on all shipping lines during the summer season.