Fuel retailers have expressed concern that the market's fuel supply chain could be severely disrupted if tanker regulations are implemented without a transition period, and are urging the government to grant a further extension and establish a realistic implementation timetable.
The Pancyprian Association of Liquid Fuel Retailers staged a protest outside the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, calling for the personal intervention of the President of the Republic to resolve issues arising from the implementation of the tanker decree.
Protest at the Presidential Palace
A delegation from the association handed a memorandum to Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou, while around 50 fuel tankers took part in a convoy from the GSP area to the Presidential Palace.
In their memorandum, the retailers argued that a serious problem has arisen from what they described as the Transport Minister's de facto decision to immobilise tankers, claiming that implementation of the decree without a transition period makes fuel transportation practically impossible.
They said tanker owners have not been given sufficient time to carry out required inspections and investments, creating a risk to the uninterrupted supply of fuel to the market.
Call for transition period
The association is requesting an amended decree that provides a clear and realistic transition period, along with a suspension of enforcement measures until that period expires.
It is also proposing the establishment of a technical working group involving all relevant stakeholders and the creation of a specific implementation timetable to ensure compliance without disrupting fuel deliveries.
Concerns over fuel supply
Retailers argue that both the viability of fuel stations and the uninterrupted delivery of petroleum products to consumers are at stake.
They warned that the sudden withdrawal of a large number of tankers from service, without an intermediate transition stage, could create gaps in the fuel supply chain, affecting consumers and key sectors of the economy.
According to the association, the consequences could be felt across the wider economy if fuel distribution is disrupted.
Government response
After receiving the memorandum, Mr Antoniou said the government would examine the requests with understanding and respond as soon as possible.
The association's president expressed satisfaction with the meeting, saying the deputy government spokesperson had fully understood the issue and recognised that time is needed to implement the decree.
He said he expected a government response within a week.
Request for financial support
For tankers that must be fully replaced, the association is seeking state subsidies to help owners finance the required investments.
Without financial assistance, retailers argue that smaller fuel stations may struggle to absorb the costs, potentially leading to closures and a further reduction in the fuel distribution network, particularly in remote areas.
The association maintained that the solution is straightforward if there is political will, calling for what it described as a small amendment to the decree that would allow the implementation process to move forward without threatening fuel supplies.
