Almost 60% of industries report a decrease in demand and cancellations of orders because of the conflict in the Middle East, while coastal shipping companies are also under great pressure due to the skyrocketing costs.

Price increases are a necessary option for one in two exporting companies in the manufacturing sector if the crisis continues, which is expected to affect prices in the domestic market as well. 

The effects, however, are already visible, as almost three in every five industrial companies state they are facing a decrease in demand or even cancellation of orders, while the corresponding percentage is even higher in the agri-food sector. 

Despite the measures announced regarding energy costs, companies are also asking for additional support for transport costs, as well as for entering new markets.

According to a survey conducted by the Northern Greece Exporters Association (SEVE), 57.7% of businesses in the industrial sector state that they have faced a decrease in demand or order cancellations, with the impacts being assessed mainly as small (35.3%) and medium intensity (32.4%), while 26.5% characterize them as significant.

Pressure is also being exerted on coastal shipping, as according to the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN), the additional cost to Greek coastal shipping companies so far from the surge in marine fuel prices following the outbreak of the war in the Persian Gulf was pegged at €36 million.

Despite the fluctuations of recent days, which have de-escalated prices from the highs of weeks ago, the main marine fuel of Greek coastal shipping, Marine Gas Oil (MGO), continues to move at levels more than double those at the end of 2025.

The government is considering new support measures to avoid increases in ticket prices in view of the summer season. To avoid any large hikes, SEEN and the ministries of Shipping and Finance are expected to have another meeting in the coming days to decide how to handle the issue. One scenario that seems likely is that of directly subsidizing fuel following the recent European decisions.