Cyprus fuel station owners threaten industrial action over vehicle licensing

The Cyprus Petrol Station Owners Association held a meeting on May 13th in Choirokoitia to discuss a dispute over ADR licensing for fuel tanker trucks. Association President Savvas Prokopiou stated that 288 out of 300 tanker trucks are at risk of being grounded by June 20th due to a directive issued by the Department of Road Transport (TOM). According to the Association, Minister Vafeadis issued an initial decree in August 2024, and subsequent assurances were allegedly given on September 29th, 2025, that a five-year extension would be requested from the European Union. Owners argue that compliance is practically impossible within the current timeframe, noting that ordering and receiving new compliant tankers takes between one and three years. They allege that the Department of Road Transport, led by George Loukas, has sent imperative notices despite earlier promises. As a result, the Association is now considering industrial action to resolve the impasse.