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2027 A Pivotal Year for Cyprus’ First Natural Gas Exports, Says Energy Minister

Cyprus is set to reach a major milestone in 2027, as it prepares to transport its first natural gas, Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry George Papanastasiou said on Thursday.

Following a meeting with trade union SEK, Papanastasiou highlighted the significance of the upcoming agreement with Egypt, which President Nikos Christodoulides will personally underscore during his visit to the neighboring country.

“The signing of agreements that will commercialize Cyprus’ natural gas is a crucial step forward,” the minister stated. He noted that while discussions have long focused on exploration and reserves, the next and most critical phase—exporting gas to international markets—is now underway.

“These agreements will define how the gas reaches global markets. This process involves Egypt as the host country, the companies that have invested in the deposits, and, of course, the Republic of Cyprus, which is eager to bring its natural gas to the market,” he explained.

SEK Union Secretary General Andreas Matsas emphasized that the deal also holds strategic importance for the European Union in its push for energy independence.

Papanastasiou further stressed that revenues from natural gas and other investments will ultimately flow back into Cyprus’ economy, reinforcing the country’s financial stability and growth.

Cyprus Construction Price Index Rises Amid Cost Pressures

The latest data from the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) shows that the Price Index of Construction Materials in Cyprus reached 118.89 points in January 2026, based on a 2021 average of 100. Compared with December 2025, the index increased by 0.12%, indicating gradual price adjustments across the sector.

Year-Over-Year Growth

On an annual basis, the index recorded a 1.09% increase compared with January of the previous year. The rise reflects ongoing changes in contractor costs and highlights evolving market conditions within the construction industry.

Commodity-Specific Movements

The report provides a detailed breakdown by material category. Minerals recorded the strongest annual increase at 2.91%, followed by electromechanical products at 2.55%. Products made from wood, insulation materials, chemicals and plastics rose by 1.19%, while mineral products increased by 0.97%. In contrast, metallic products declined by 0.49%.

Volatility In Sub-Categories

More pronounced changes were observed within specific sub-categories. Mineral aggregates rose by 8.34%, while stones increased by 4.97% compared with January 2025. Electrical fixtures posted a 4.65% increase. Iron and steel products declined by 1.73%, and ceramics and cement continued to trend lower, falling by 1.47% and 1.38% respectively.

Methodological Insights

The index is calculated as a weighted average based on the expenditure share of sampled materials during the 2021 base year. Prices are collected monthly from a range of suppliers, using the 15th of each month as the reference date and excluding VAT. The Construction Costs Index applies specifically to new residential buildings.

This detailed analysis not only sheds light on current market trends but also offers stakeholders a robust framework for understanding the underlying cost dynamics in Cyprus’s construction materials market.

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