Significant Fiscal Support for Maritime Transport
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that the VAT-free fuel scheme for the maritime sector has delivered a total of 7.5 million tonnes of fuel as support to date. This initiative, coordinated by the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, resulted in TL 21.6 billion in foregone tax revenue, providing substantial benefit to the sector.
Scope and Impact of the VAT-Free Fuel Scheme
The scheme, launched on 1 January 2004, is available to vessels registered under the Turkish International Ship Registry and National Ship Registry, including public administrative vessels, cabotage line freight and passenger ships, commercial yachts, service vessels, and fishing boats.
Distribution Figures for 2025
Minister Uraloğlu shared recent figures, noting that in 2025 alone, 373,000 tonnes of VAT-free fuel were distributed via 5,899 VAT-Free Fuel Purchase Logs. This corresponded to a sectoral support amounting to TL 5.3 billion for the year.
Delivery and Oversight
During 2025, 69,715 fuel deliveries were made by 11 authorised distribution companies, with 98% of the distributed fuel being diesel and the remainder consisting of fuel oil. Strict oversight was implemented by port authorities, which included 13,013 inspection forms and 1,287 on-site audits. As a result, 63 purchase logs were blocked due to irregularities. Additionally, port authorities processed 5,129 certificates and licences for seaworthiness, fisheries, and leasing documentation.
Enhanced Efficiency and Benefits for Fisheries
Minister Uraloğlu emphasised that the VAT-free fuel initiative has helped increase the efficiency of maritime transport by reducing operational costs. The scheme also benefits fishermen by enabling longer periods at sea and extended fishing times due to more affordable fuel supplies.
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