VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Commission has approved an €8 million state aid scheme to help maritime operators running scheduled passenger and cargo services between Malta and Sicily cope with soaring fuel costs.
The measure will provide direct grants covering up to 70% of eligible additional fuel expenses incurred between 1 March and 31 December 2026.
The scheme follows an 86% increase in marine fuel prices in Malta in March compared with January, driven by the impact of the Middle East crisis on energy markets.
The funding aims to ease the financial burden on short-sea shipping operators and maintain vital maritime connections between the two islands.
Aid will be granted under the European Commission’s Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework, adopted on 29 April 2026 to allow member states to support businesses affected by the crisis.
The Commission said the measure was “necessary, appropriate and proportionate” to support economic activity without adversely affecting trading conditions within the European Union.
Operators seeking compensation will be required to provide declarations of fuel consumption, which authorities will verify as part of the assessment process.
Funding may be awarded until the end of 2026, with all payments required to be completed by 31 March 2027.
Sustainable Mobility Minister Chris Bonett described the approval as “significant”, saying it would help prevent additional costs from being passed on to consumers.
Fuel prices have risen since February amid disruption to key shipping routes and energy supplies, including restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The situation has been further complicated by disruption to Saudi Arabian exports through the Red Sea and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
