Earlier than last year specifically until the end of Octoberis expected to be published on Joint Ministerial Decision (JMA) which will determine who is entitled to the heating allowance, as well as the income criteria, family status, grade days and the method of payment of the aid, as revealed by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrouspeaking today on ERTnews.

Mr. Papastavrou emphasized thati 60% of the allowance will be given before Christmas, so that households can be strengthened in time for the winter season, following the same procedure as last year.

“Within the next ten days at the most, the citizen will know how and how much money he will receive,” the minister said, underlining the importance of timely information and support for citizens ahead of winter.

“At 1.08 euros the “safe” price of oil”

At the same time, the president of Attica Fuel Dealers, Nikos Papageorgiou, also speaking to ERT he argued that most consumers waiting for the platform to open for the allowance, although the prices are at particularly satisfactory levels.

“The market is waiting for the heating oil subsidy. Families did not start hot to procure, while the prices are very good. The procedures should be done quickly, the platform should be opened and citizens should be able to feel safe”, he noted.

According to Mr. Papageorgiou, the refinery price today stands at 0.98 euros per literwhich makes the final selling price around 1.08 euros the “safe level”.

“Below 1 euro there is risk. The consumer must be careful, because in the past we have seen phenomena of fraud or irregularities in extremely cheap fuel”, he stressed.

Referring to price differences by region, Mr. Papageorgiou noted that in islands and remote areas heating oil is sold more expensively — for example, in Syros at 1.25 euros, in Paros at 1.30 euros and in Santorini at 1.32 euros per liter.

“There is a small transport cost, but also an increased profit margin, as the markets are small and the gas stations have essentially a national role in the winter,” he said.