Abolish the double taxation on fuel

Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Giorgos Koukoumas

16 February 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The increases in fuel prices are continuing and follow the general wave of price hikes that is hitting the Cypriot people. However, the government does not consider that measures should be taken. DISY President Averof Neophytou is no longer staging communication shows at petrol stations, as he used to do when prices were lower.

AKEL insists that there are measures that can provide relief to people immediately. For example, it is absurd in every respect that we are paying VAT on top of the excise duty on fuel. AKEL reiterates its demand that this double taxation be abolished.

The government must at long last say whether it is going to do anything about the fuel increases and the overall price hikes that is sweeping away the living standards of Cypriots. All the measures taken to date have only been taken after the government was forced to by the opposition and society. We need right now to build up a social shield to protect the people from these price hikes. A comprehensive plan of measures to deal with the increases is needed immediately and this is, first and foremost, the responsibility of the government.