The trend has always been upward, with the seasonal spike. The war in Iran is also contributing, with soaring fuel prices. Thus, ferries are increasingly expensive. Compared to last year, in the central weeks of August, the average cost of a sea trip for a family of two and a child increased by an average of 15% for those choosing to travel in a seat and 18% for those traveling in a cabin. This is according to the National Observatory of Federconsumatori.
The route that saw the largest price increase is Livorno-Olbia, with a 29% jump compared to 2025. The most expensive connection is Livorno-Palermo, which in August, for a family of two and a child, with a car, costs €946.50 for a seat and a whopping €1,484.90 for a cabin (round-trip fare). Significant variations were also observed when comparing prices in May 2026 with those forecast for August this year: on average, fares are 82% higher for seats and 78% higher for cabins. Among the main causes of the price increases, the consumer association emphasizes, "is certainly the increase in fuel costs, strongly influenced by international geopolitical tensions and the conflict in the Middle East, but urgent action is needed to prevent citizens from once again paying the highest price." For these reasons, we are asking the Government to take measures to support the sector, implementing the necessary initiatives to ensure operational continuity of maritime routes and constant monitoring of the rates applied by shipping companies, in order to avoid speculation.
(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)
