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August 2025 Fuel Sales Decline Slightly Year‐Over‐Year Amid Shifting Demand Dynamics

Recent data from the Statistics Agency reveals that overall fuel sales in August 2025 reached 123,378 tonnes, marking a modest 1.0% decline compared to August 2024. Month‐on‐month figures further highlight a 14.8% drop from July 2025, signaling notable shifts in demand across various fuel categories.

Sector Breakdown and Performance

Detailed analysis indicates significant contractions in several segments. Sales of heavy and light marine fuels experienced steep declines (-100.0% and -70.6% respectively), while asphalt, liquefied petroleum gas, diesel fuel, heating oil, and gasoline registered decreases ranging from -11.5% to -0.1%. In contrast, supplies for specialized applications saw growth, with marine fuel for ships increasing by 41.4% and aviation fuel by 12.8%.

Retail and Monthly Trends

Fuel sales from retail stations fell by approximately 1.1%, amounting to 54,605 tonnes during the month. A closer examination of the month‐to‐month performance reveals that marine fuel supplies dropped by 35.2%, diesel sales declined by 20.2%, and gasoline fell by 8.7%, even as aviation fuel supplies saw a slight rise of 1.5%. Additionally, overall petroleum stock levels decreased by 9.6% at the end of August compared to the previous month.

Year‐to‐Date Growth Amid Annual Shifts

Despite the August downturn, cumulative figures for January through August 2025 show a 3.8% increase in total fuel sales relative to the same period last year. This juxtaposition of short‐term declines against year‐to‐date growth underscores the complex market dynamics at play, driven by shifting consumption patterns and sector-specific variances.

EU Tightens Steel Imports As Overcapacity Hits 721M Tonnes

Robust Regulatory Framework

Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, together with the European Parliament, reached a provisional agreement on measures addressing global steel overcapacity. The regulation targets trade diversion and excess supply while maintaining compliance with international trade rules. The framework also aims to preserve operational flexibility for downstream industries.

Safeguarding Employment And Environmental Commitments

Global steel overcapacity is projected to reach 721 million tonnes by 2027, compared with EU annual consumption levels. The measures are linked to the protection of around 2.5 million jobs. Policy direction also aligns with EU decarbonisation targets within the industrial sector.

Enhanced Trade Controls And Supply Chain Traceability

The regulation introduces tariff-free quotas of 18.3 million tonnes annually. Imports exceeding thresholds will be subject to a 50% duty. Measures cover 30 steel product categories and will replace current safeguards expiring on June 30, 2026. A “melt and pour” requirement is included to improve supply chain traceability.

Diversifying Import Sources And Reducing Dependencies

Rules apply to imports from all countries, excluding European Economic Area members, which remain subject to traceability requirements. The framework also reduces reliance on specific external suppliers, including Russia. Michael Damianos, Energy Minister of Cyprus, said the steel sector remains important for economic activity and energy transition. Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament’s INTA Committee, said the measures address trade practices and market conditions.

Looking Ahead

The agreement introduces a revised tariff-rate quota system with import quotas reduced by approximately 47% compared with 2024. Limited carry-over flexibility will apply in the first year. The European Commission will review the measures in subsequent years. Formal adoption by the European Parliament and the Council is expected before implementation on July 1, 2026.

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