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Cypriot Consumer Association Calls For Fuel Subsidies As Prices Rise

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 17, 2026

The Cypriot Consumer Association is urging the swift reimplementation of fuel subsidies, arguing that the price hikes since March 1 have intensified and are likely to persist in the coming days. In its detailed analysis, the association highlights the significant increases in fuel costs, calling on fiscal authorities to intervene in support of consumers.

Rising Fuel Prices Since March

Data from the association show that prices increased across all major fuel categories. Since March 1, 2026, 95-octane gasoline rose by 10.7 cents per liter, diesel by 16.7 cents and heating oil by 13.6 cents per liter. According to the association, upward pressure on prices is expected to continue in the short term.

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Comparative Analysis: Then And Now

A comparison with March 2022, when subsidies were first introduced, shows mixed price changes. Gasoline currently stands at €1.422 per liter, compared with €1.443 at that time, a difference of 2.1 cents. Diesel increased from €1.501 to €1.58 per liter, while heating oil rose from €1.026 to €1.086 per liter.

Impact Of The Consumer Price Index

The report also notes that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has climbed during the same period, from 107 units in March 2022 to 117 units today. This significant rise in the CPI underlines the deteriorating economic conditions faced by consumers, further strengthening the call for renewed fiscal intervention.

Economic Implications And The Way Forward

Based on these economic indicators, the consumer group contends that the current financial climate justifies the reinstatement of fuel subsidies. They assert that public finances can absorb such targeted measures over a limited timeframe without compromising the overall fiscal stability. Citing statements from the Minister of Finance, who assures that state finances remain robust, the association argues that this intervention is both necessary and sustainable.

Projected Benefits Of Reinstated Subsidies

According to the association’s projections, reinstating fuel subsidies could potentially lower retail fuel prices by 8.3 cents per liter for both gasoline and diesel, and by 6.2 cents per liter for heating oil. This measure, they suggest, is vital to alleviate the mounting pressure on consumer household budgets.

A Plea For Swift Government Action

Cypriot Consumer Association called on the Ministry of Finance to consider reinstating fuel subsidies in response to rising costs. The group said current price levels are placing additional pressure on household budgets. According to the association, targeted support measures could help offset recent increases in fuel prices without significantly affecting public finances.

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Cyprus’ Poverty And Social Exclusion Risk Stands At 17.1%

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 20, 2026

Cyprus recorded a poverty or social exclusion risk rate of 17.1% in 2025, below the European Union average of 20.9%, according to new Eurostat figures. Across the bloc, however, more than 92 million people continued to face the risk, highlighting persistent social and economic inequalities.

More Than 92 Million People At Risk Across The EU

A total of 92.7 million people across the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, equivalent to just over one in five residents.

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Cyprus is treated as a single statistical region because of its size, unlike many member states divided into multiple regions for comparison. Its national figure therefore provides an overall picture but does not capture differences between districts or communities.

Regional Gaps Remain Stark Across Europe

The risk varied considerably across the EU, with the highest rates concentrated largely in southern, eastern and outermost regions. In 24 of the 243 regions with available data, at least 31.5% of the population faced poverty or social exclusion.

These regions were located in Spain, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, France and Romania, as well as Brussels in Belgium and Bremen in north-western Germany.

French Guiana recorded the highest rate, at 54.8%, followed by Calabria in southern Italy at 45.3% and Sicily at 44%. Melilla, a Spanish autonomous city, recorded 43.7%, while Réunion, another French outermost region, stood at 42.3%.

Central Europe Records The Lowest Rates

At the other end of the scale, 24 regions reported poverty or social exclusion risk rates below 13% in 2025. These included five eastern EU capital regions: Bratislava in Slovakia, Warsaw in Poland, Prague in the Czech Republic, Budapest in Hungary and Zagreb in Croatia.

Other regions with low rates were concentrated in northern Italy, the Czech Republic, northern Belgium, Hungary, Poland and Austria, illustrating the uneven distribution of economic security across Europe.

Cyprus Remains Below The EU Average

Cyprus’ rate of 17.1% places it below the EU average, although it remains higher than the levels recorded in the bloc’s lowest-risk regions.

The figures suggest that Cyprus performs relatively well compared with the wider EU, but poverty and social exclusion remain significant challenges across the bloc, affecting more than 92 million people.