Representatives of three key economic sectors met the Balearic Government on 15 October to discuss the impact of rising fuel prices and inflation. No new measures were agreed, while businesses warned that higher operating costs could eventually affect consumers.

Transport companies, construction businesses and shipping operators have warned the Balearic Government that rising inflation and fuel prices are increasing their operating costs, adding pressure to businesses across the islands.

The representatives raised their concerns during a meeting on Thursday, 15 October 2026, with the Balearic Government's ministers responsible for economy, housing and mobility, and the sea and water cycle.

The meeting was the fourth in a series of consultations organised by the regional government to hear how rising prices are affecting different parts of the economy and to consider possible responses.

Although several ideas were discussed, no new measures were agreed during the meeting.

Transport Businesses Warn of Further Fuel Price Increases

Rafael Roig, president of the Balearic Business Federation of Transport (FEBT), warned that fuel prices could continue to rise in the coming months.

He stressed that the Balearic Islands depend heavily on maritime and land transport, making it important for the regional government to explore possible solutions even where its powers are limited.

Ezequiel Horrach, vice-president of the federation, also expressed concern about the outlook, warning that businesses could face several difficult years ahead.

The transport sector argues that rising fuel costs affect more than the companies paying for the fuel. They can also increase the cost of moving goods around the islands and bringing products from mainland Spain.

As these expenses move through the supply chain, businesses may have to pass some of the additional costs on to customers.

Construction Industry Warns of Higher Material Costs

The construction sector also highlighted the potential consequences of sustained inflation.

Guillem Rosselló, representing Construïm, the Balearic association of construction-material manufacturers, said that businesses across the islands were interconnected and that rising prices could affect multiple sectors.

Higher production costs for construction materials can ultimately feed into the prices charged to customers, adding pressure to building projects and other activities that depend on these supplies.

Climent Olives, president of the Balearic Association of Construction Companies, said the sector was still waiting to determine the extent of the next increase in material prices.

He added that the inflationary pressure associated with the conflict in the Middle East had eased temporarily in June but had since returned to levels comparable to those experienced when the conflict began.

Shipping Companies Warn of Pressure on Freight and Passenger Fares

Rafael Cardona, general manager of Trasmapi, represented the shipping sector at the meeting.

He warned that sharp increases in fuel prices would affect different forms of transport, including maritime services, and could have consequences for both passenger fares and freight costs.

Cardona also highlighted the difficulties created by the islands' dependence on maritime transport and the concentration of fuel supply, arguing that these factors increase pressure on operating costs.

He called for subsidies or financial relief similar to measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

However, he noted that many ports used by shipping companies fall under the authority of Spain's central government, limiting the Balearic Government's ability to intervene directly in certain port-related matters.

Government Continues Consultations With Economic Sectors

The meeting formed part of a broader round of consultations launched by the Balearic Government to understand the impact of rising inflation and fuel prices.

Previous meetings involved social and economic organisations, retailers, industrial businesses and representatives of the primary sector.

The regional government has said the aim is to hear the concerns and proposals of affected industries before deciding whether additional measures are necessary and what form they might take.

The consultations follow earlier financial assistance introduced in response to economic pressures associated with the conflict in the Middle East. However, the meeting on 15 October did not result in a new package of measures for transport, construction or shipping.

Businesses Await Further Action as Costs Remain Under Pressure

The discussions highlighted the interconnected nature of the Balearic economy, where higher transport costs can affect the supply of goods, construction materials and other essential products.

For Ibiza and Formentera, which rely heavily on maritime connections for the movement of goods and people, changes in fuel and shipping costs are particularly relevant.

Business representatives are calling for further support to help limit the effect of rising expenses on companies and consumers.

For now, the Government's consultation process remains ongoing. Any additional assistance will depend on subsequent decisions by the relevant authorities, and no new measures were confirmed at the 15 October meeting.