The answer is clear and irrevocable: 31 July 2026. After this date, any indisposed balance on the digital card returns automatically to the Greek State and there is no possibility of recovering it from the beneficiary.
What is Fuel Pass III and why again?
Fuel Pass returned for the third time as a measure of relief of households from accuracy in fuel, which has taken a new upward course in the context of geopolitical pressures from the war in the Middle East and the rise of oil. With petrol stabilised over 2 euros in the vast majority of stations, the government announced the subsidy for the months April and May 2026, via Legislative Content Act (FEK I 46/2026). The application platform at vouchers.gov.gr operated from 6 to 30 April, crediting the amounts within 48 hours of the approval of each application.
Amounts: digital card vs deposit to IBAN
The amount of aid is not uniform — it differs according to the type of vehicle, the geographical area of main residence, but also the way the beneficiary chose to receive the money.
For car owners, the digital card pays 50 euros to mainland Greece and 60 euros to the island. If a deposit was selected in a bank account, these amounts shall be reduced by EUR 10 — That is EUR 40 and EUR 50 respectively. For motorcycle and motorcycle owners, the corresponding amounts by digital card amount to EUR 30 (continental) and EUR 35 (island), while via IBAN they decline to EUR 25 and EUR 30 respectively.
The difference of EUR 10 between the two options had an incentive role to use the digital card, which also offers greater flexibility in its use.
Where the digital card can be used
Unlike earlier versions of the program, Fuel Pass III expanded the redemption field beyond the classic fuel stations. The digital card is accepted for unleaded petrol, petrol, and gas traffic at stations, but also for paying tickets to public transport and taxis. The card acts as a normal Visa debit card or equivalent — is digitally published and supports payments via Google Pay, Apple Pay and Garmin Pay. However, it is not permitted to withdraw cash or transfer the balance to a third party.
Who were beneficiaries?
The project involved natural persons and freelance professionals, tax residents of Greece, who met specific income criteria. For single persons the income limit was set at 25,000 euros, for couples at 35,000 euros, with an increase of 5,000 euros per child. In single-parent families the limit is around 39,000 euros. It is estimated that the measure covered around 3 million beneficiaries — That is 75% of drivers in the country.
It was necessary for the declared vehicle to be in service, to be insured and without unpaid traffic charges. Any natural person could declare a single vehicle — ownership, co-ownership or leasing. In the case of a couple with a joint tax return, both spouses could apply separately if they owned different vehicles.
The reverse clock and the «trap» the indisposed balance
The crucial point that many beneficiaries overlook is that the redemption deadline on 31 July is final. There is no extension, no refund in case of non-use: what remains on the card that day is automatically returned to the State, without any further search by the beneficiary — as expressly specified in the relevant Joint Ministerial Decision. With two and a half months left, even those who are late have enough time. — As long as they don't forget.
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