Protest against fuel prices in Cyprus. Demonstration in front of the Ministry of Finance.

On Monday, September 28, a protest against rising fuel prices and the cost of living will take place in front of the Ministry of Finance in Nicosia. The demonstration will begin at 6:00 PM. Organizers are demanding immediate protective measures from the government.

The demonstration is being organized by AKEL and organizations associated with the labor and social movements. The PEO trade union federation, among others, has announced its participation. Organizers are also encouraging residents who are not members of parties or trade unions but are affected by the price increases to attend.

The protest in Nicosia will start at 6:00 p.m.

Participants will gather in front of the Ministry of Finance building in Nicosia. The demonstration is scheduled for Monday, September 28, at 6:00 PM.

PEO argues that rising prices for fuel, energy, and other essential products are increasingly burdening households. Employees, women, young people, retirees, and all residents affected by the rising cost of living were invited to participate in the demonstration.

The organizers point out that many people in Cyprus cannot give up their cars. This is especially true for residents of towns where public transportation is not convenient for commuting to work, school, or the doctor.

What are the organizers demanding?

One of the main demands is to reduce the tax burden included in fuel prices. Among other things, organizers are demanding an end to so-called double taxation.

This refers to a situation where VAT is charged on a price that already includes excise duty. Organizers believe that changing the taxation method could reduce the costs incurred by drivers.

The PEO also presented a broader list of demands regarding the rising cost of living. It includes:

• maintaining the reduced VAT rate on electricity at 5%;
• automatic inclusion of all eligible households in the EAC 08 social tariff;
• increasing and indexing social benefits;
• changing the income criteria for receiving assistance;
• covering more employees with the ATA cost-of-living mechanism;
• heating subsidies depending on household income;
• reduction of excise tax on heating oil;
• taxing windfall profits and allocating the proceeds to housing policy and combating energy poverty.

Fuel prices have risen significantly

The reason for the mobilization is the rapid price increases observed at gas stations. In August, the price of diesel fuel in Cyprus increased by 11.3 percent compared to July. Gasoline prices increased by 6.2 percent during the same period.

By the end of September, the average price of diesel fuel approached €2 per liter, and at many stations it exceeded that mark. The price of heating oil has also increased, raising concerns about the start of the winter season.

Consumer organizations and representatives of gas station owners also appealed for government action. Among the proposals presented were tax cuts and returning to residents the additional VAT revenues the budget receives as a result of price increases.

The government is to consider new measures

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos previously announced that the government is analyzing the situation and possible ways to support residents. The topic of rising energy costs is scheduled to be discussed during the Council of Ministers meeting scheduled for September 30.

Among other things, measures related to heating oil may be under consideration. However, a final decision and details of a potential aid program have not yet been announced.

Monday's protest will take place two days before the government meeting. Organizers hope the gathering will increase pressure on the authorities and accelerate the adoption of concrete decisions.

Sources: PEO, Philenews, Politis