Breaking news

Cyprus Committed To Adequate Wages And Dignified Pensions, Minister Says

Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Yiannis Panayiotou has conveyed the government’s commitment to adequate wages and dignified pensions promoting more social justice in citizens’ everyday life.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Labour, Panayiotou made the statements while addressing the Plenary of the ILO’s Global Coalition for Social Justice held in Geneva, on 13 June.

The Global Alliance was set up during the 2023 ILO Conference, aiming to promote social justice in the shaping of public policy and social dialogue between social partners, numbering more than 250 participants including governments, workers and employers’ organisations and other international organisations.

Cyprus was one of the first states to respond to the invitation by ILO Director-General, the Ministry said.

In his address, Panayiotou said universal and lasting peace can only be consolidated if it is based on social justice.

“This is what we are defending in this body for over a century and our commitment will continue to be in place for the years and generations to come,” he added.

Panayiotou stressed that the Cypriot government remains “dedicated to safeguarding better wages and better pensions, adequate income for all those actively participating in the labour market so we could maximize the economy’s capacity and to secure our citizens’ welfare.”

“Our government is determined to actively participate in the Global Alliance because we believe in its cause and we want our Alliance to succeed,” he said.

Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

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.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter