Tankers in Cyprus fail to meet requirements. Industry demands exemptions, heating costs rise

Some 260 tankers in Cyprus still require adaptation to hazardous goods regulations. The Road Transport Department indicated that owners had been aware of the requirements for years and had time to modernize or replace their vehicles. The industry is now seeking temporary exemptions and subsidies for purchasing new tankers.

This temporary solution is intended to prevent supply disruptions this winter, but it doesn't address the problem of high heating costs. According to a Philenews report from October 6, heating oil in Cyprus cost over €1.60 per liter, approaching €1.70 in some places. The editors estimated the increase compared to last year at approximately 75%.

The requirements have been known for years, but the tanks are still not adapted

The dispute concerns the adaptation of vehicles to ADR requirements related to the transport of dangerous goods. In the case of fuel transport, this includes safeguards that reduce the risk of ignition in the event of an accident.

One of the required solutions is a system that allows for disconnection of the vehicle's electrical power. This is not just a matter of documentation, but also of transport safety.

The Department of Road Transport argued that the owners had known about the requirements for years. The administration argued that they had ample time to modify the tankers or replace them with vehicles that met the requirements.

The industry presented a different position, arguing that implementing the requirements would take a significant portion of the fleet out of service and threaten fuel supplies.

Instead of full compliance, an interim solution

The regulation at issue was issued in August 2025. In July 2026, gas station owners protested in front of the Presidential Palace, demanding intervention.

After further discussions with the Ministry of Transport, a temporary solution was reached. Savvas Prokopiou, president of the Association of Gas Station Owners, assured that the risk of disruptions to heating oil supplies had been averted.

At the same time, he acknowledges that the fleet must ultimately meet the requirements. For most tankers, the industry is planning technical modifications and temporary exemptions. However, approximately 40-50 vehicles may need to be replaced.

Cyprus tanker dispute

Modernization, replacement and exemption request

About 260

The tank requires adaptation to the requirements.

40–50

Vehicles may need to be replaced with new ones.

December

Expected response date from the European Commission.

Estimates and projected timeline provided by an industry representative. European Commission approval has not yet been announced.

The industry wants subsidies for new vehicles

The cost of purchasing a new tanker was estimated at approximately 120,000 eurosThe association wants the state to apply for European funding to cover some of the owners' expenses.

This is an industry demand, not an approved subsidy program. No funding rules or amounts have been announced for businesses.

The derogation request also remains pending. Prokopiou expects a response from the European Commission in December and hopes for approval. A possible suspension of the application of the disputed regulation also remains open.

Heating oil in Cyprus is much more expensive

For households, however, the most pressing issue is the price of fuel. Ensuring a continuous supply doesn't mean heating will be easier to afford.

Philenews reported that in November 2025, heating oil was sold for less than €1 per liter. On October 6, 2026, prices exceeded €1.60, and in some places approached €1.70.

The reported increase of approximately 75% is an editorial estimate. The price of a specific order depends on the supplier's offer, the amount of fuel, and any additional fees.

Heating costs

How much does it cost to buy 400 liters?

640 €

At a price of 1.60 euros per liter.

680 €

At a price of 1.70 euros per liter.

Sample calculation for a single delivery, no additional charges. This is not an estimate of consumption for an entire season.

Will the costs of the tanks be borne by consumers?

Prokopiou rules out passing on the cost of modifying customizable vehicles to customers. He believes such work is relatively inexpensive.

The burden is greater for owners forced to purchase new tankers. It is precisely for this group that the union is demanding support.

However, the declaration regarding modernization is not a promise to maintain heating oil prices. Nor does it determine how businesses will cover the costs of replacing vehicles if subsidies are not granted.

The hardest winter for families in the mountains

The industry representative is also calling for more assistance for residents of mountain towns. Lower temperatures and greater heating needs mean higher fuel consumption there.

The situation therefore has two distinct dimensions. Tanker owners are scrambling for time and funding to adapt their fleets, while families must budget for expensive heating.

This interim solution mitigates the risk of supply disruptions. However, it still leaves the issue of vehicle compliance and the costs to be borne by their owners to be determined.

Sources: Philenews, Cyprus Petrol Station Owners Association.