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Promising Employment Growth In Q1 2024

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 10, 2024

Cyprus has experienced a notable rise in total employment in the first quarter of 2024, marking a significant annual increase of 2.2%, according to data released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). This uptick reflects a positive trend in the island’s economic activities, signalling robust growth and resilience amid global economic challenges.

Key Statistics and Sectoral Performance

The total number of employed individuals in Cyprus reached 474,587 in Q1 2024, up from the previous year. This total comprises 425,090 employees and 49,497 self-employed individuals. Noteworthy increases were observed in the sectors of Administrative and Supporting Service Activities, Education, and Accommodation and Food Service Activities. These sectors have demonstrated strong performance, contributing significantly to the overall employment growth.

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In addition to the rise in total employment, the actual hours worked during the first quarter also saw a commendable increase of 2.6%, totalling 217,668 thousand hours. This metric is crucial as it underscores the increased labour demand and productivity within the Cypriot economy.

Implications for the Cypriot Economy

The 2.2% annual growth in employment is a positive indicator of the Cypriot economy’s health and its ability to create jobs across various sectors. This trend is particularly significant given the broader global economic context, where many countries are grappling with economic uncertainties and sluggish growth. Cyprus’s ability to not only sustain but also enhance employment levels speaks volumes about its economic strategies and labour market policies.

The sectors leading this growth, particularly Administrative and Supporting Services, Education, and Accommodation and Food Services, are pivotal to Cyprus’s economic landscape. The robust performance in these areas suggests that the island is leveraging its strengths in service-oriented industries, which are essential for sustainable economic development.

Strategic Insights

For business professionals and entrepreneurs, these statistics offer valuable insights into the Cypriot market. The growth in Administrative and Supporting Services indicates a thriving business environment, with increased demand for professional services and corporate support functions. Similarly, the rise in employment within the Education sector highlights the importance of investing in human capital and the potential for growth in educational services and institutions.

The surge in the Accommodation and Food Service sector is indicative of Cyprus’s strong tourism industry. As a key driver of the economy, the continued expansion of this sector presents numerous opportunities for investment and business development.

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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.