What is being reported about the Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA) raises many questions

Statement by the Head of Energy & Environment Policy of the C.C. of AKEL Christina Nicolaou

29 November 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The government needs to provide clear answers as to why at this particular moment in time and despite the fact that for the first time in 5 years there is a prospect of the natural gas project going ahead, the government called on the board to resign, at the same time as the Chairman and 2 members of the board had been appointed by the government themselves?

The blame for the delay in the arrival of the natural gas lies as much with the government as it does with the DISY-Anastasiades government and as a result households and businesses are paying very high prices for electricity.

The President of the Republic clearly needs to give an answer as to why he has now asked for the resignation of the Board of Directors of the DEFA. At the same time that tenders for infrastructure and the import of liquefied petroleum gas worth hundreds of millions of euros are underway?

When is the completion of the projects for the arrival of natural gas expected and when can we really expect to have electricity generation from natural gas?

We fear that once again developments will overtake us.

Citizens will once again be called upon to pay pollutant taxes, at a cost of 350 million for 2023 and 500 million for 2024.

AKEL will register the issue in the relevant Parliamentary Committee for immediate discussion.