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Hybrid Cars Increase From 26.6% To 37.3% Of Total In January-May 2024

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 11, 2024

The share of hybrid cars rose from 26.6% to 37.3% during the period of January-May 2024, compared to the same period of 2023, according to Cystat.

At the same time, the share of petrol-powered passenger cars dropped to 49.3%, from 60.8% in the corresponding period of 2023.

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The total registrations of motor vehicles during this period increased by 22.1% to 21,881, from 17,927 in January-May 2023.

Passenger saloon cars increased to 17,176 from 14,434 in January-May 2023, recording a rise of 19%. Of the total passenger saloon cars, 7,374 or 42.9% were new and 9,802 or 57.1% were used cars. Rental cars in particular recorded a fall of 29.4% to 1,860.

The share of petrol-powered passengers’ cars to the total of this category of vehicles decreased in January-May 2024 to 49.3% (from 60.8% in the corresponding period of the preceding year) and that of diesel-powered cars to 10% in 2024 from 10.6% in 2023. On the other hand, the share of electric cars rose from 2.1% in 2023 to 3.4% in 2024 and of hybrid cars from 26.6% to 37.3%.

Motor coaches and buses registered in January-May 2024 decreased to 83, from 115 in the same period of 2023. Goods conveyance vehicles increased by 42.6% to 2,471 in January-May 2024, compared to 1,733 in January-May 2023. In particular, light goods vehicles increased by 46.1% to 1,955, heavy goods vehicles by 35.3% to 291, road tractors (units of trailers) by 70.4% to 92 and rental vehicles by 5.6% to 133.

Mopeds of less than 50cc registered in January-May 2024 increased to 381 compared to 61 in the corresponding period of the previous year. Motorcycles over 50cc increased by 7.7% to 1,479 in January-May 2024, compared to 1,373 in the same period of 2023.

In May 2024, the total registrations of motor vehicles numbered 4,292, recording a decrease of 9.6% compared to 4,747 in May 2023.

Passenger saloon cars registered a decrease of 14.5% to 3,325, from 3,888 in May 2023.

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Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2025

Investigation Initiated Over Strategic Acquisition

The Competition Protection Authority has commenced a thorough investigation into the acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited’s share capital by Petrolina Holdings Public Ltd through Med Energywise Ltd. This inquiry was formally initiated following a session held on 10 September 2025, after an in-depth review of the pertinent report by the Authority’s Service.

Concerns Over Market Compatibility

Authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the transaction with established competitive practices. The review indicates that the acquisition may affect several critical petroleum markets, both horizontally and vertically, thereby raising the potential for adverse impacts on market dynamics.

Horizontal Market Dynamics

On the horizontal front, potential effects have been identified in the import market for petroleum products, as well as in both wholesale and retail distribution channels of these products. The consolidation is believed to increase the risk of price rises and coordinated actions, given the direct competitive proximity between Petrolina and ExxonMobil.

Vertical and Adjacent Market Implications

Vertical aspects of the merger are also under close scrutiny. The new entity could restrict competitors’ access to critical infrastructure such as storage facilities, supply channels, and customer bases. These restrictions could further affect the onshore distribution of fuels, the wholesale market for lubricants, and specialized technical services connected with fuel station operations.

Local Market Considerations

Particular attention is being paid to the potential concentration in the retail fuel market. The investigation suggests that a reduced competitive landscape within a four-kilometer radius of the companies’ fuel stations could lead to diminished local competition, adversely impacting consumer prices and options.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

The Competition Protection Authority, which reached a unanimous decision to pursue a full investigation, remains open to submissions from parties that might be affected by this transaction, as mandated by current legislation. A final decision is expected within four months upon receipt of all necessary evidence, potentially setting a significant precedent for future market consolidation cases in the energy sector.