Fuel station owners protest over new tanker safety regulations

On July 21st, Cypriot fuel station owners held a protest march to the Presidential Palace to contest a Ministry of Transport decree regarding mandatory ADR safety requirements for fuel tankers. The protesters, led by the Pancyprian Association of Liquid Fuel Station Owners, gathered at the GSP stadium and marched to the palace. Association chairman Savvas Prokopiou stated that the decree could lead to the immobilization of 80-90% of the current tanker fleet. While the association supports the safety measures in principle, they argue that the implementation timeline is unrealistic and that infrastructure for necessary vehicle certification is lacking. They are seeking direct intervention from President Nikos Christodoulides to obtain more time for compliance. Conversely, the Department of Road Transport asserts that owners have had 18 years to meet these standards and accuses them of failing to act despite receiving a one-year notice. The transport ministry emphasizes that operating non-compliant tankers poses a significant public safety risk.