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Fuel Prices Decline Post Tax Reduction Amid Global Tensions

Fuel prices declined after an excise tax cut of 8.33 cents per liter took effect under emergency legislation, with the measure expected to lower petrol and diesel costs across Cyprus.

Market Relief As Prices Fall

Early market data indicate that 95 octane petrol may fall to around €1.50 per liter, while diesel could reach €1.83, following recent increases of about 30 cents and 50 cents respectively over the past month. Retailers are gradually adjusting prices depending on supplier and location, as the tax cut begins to ease fuel costs in the short term.

Global Turbulence And Its Impact

Brent crude oil rose above $109 per barrel amid tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, continuing to drive volatility in global energy markets. These international price movements are influencing local fuel costs and may limit the duration of the current price reductions.

Regulatory Oversight And Consumer Guidance

Konstantinos Karagiorgis, Director of the Consumer Protection Service, said daily inspections are ongoing to monitor pricing practices and track variations across fuel stations. Price differences of up to 20 cents have been recorded, with 95 octane ranging between €1.527 and €1.678, prompting authorities to advise consumers to compare prices before purchasing.

Policy Impact And Monitoring

The tax reduction will remain in effect until June 30, 2026, with an estimated fiscal cost of €18.6 million, while authorities continue to monitor its impact on retail pricing. Future price trends will depend on developments in international energy markets and domestic supply conditions.

Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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