The constant fluctuations in fuel prices continue to put pressure on consumers, with gas stations already seeing a slight decline in the amounts drivers are purchasing. At the same time, there are reports that high prices at the pump are driving more drivers to the occupied territories to refuel.
Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera show, a gas station employee noted that, despite the fact that most customers continue to fill up with the usual amounts of 20 or 30 euros, dissatisfaction with the prices is evident. “Surely two out of ten will mention something about the prices and make a negative comment. People are struggling,” he noted.
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Haris Papatheocharous: A photo with his wife from 2015
As he explained, there hasn’t been a massive shift in customer behavior—such as, for example, limiting purchases to five euros’ worth of fuel—but there has been a slight decline in the total number of liters sold. “There is definitely a slight decrease in liters—in the daily volume of gasoline sold here,” he noted.
This trend is also linked to the increased traffic heading toward roadblocks when prices in the free zones rise. According to reports from the Agios Dometios area featured on the program, gas station employees estimate that an increasing number of drivers are crossing into the occupied areas to purchase fuel. The gas station employee noted that “it makes sense that people are heading more toward the occupied areas,” adding that he understands consumers’ choice under the current circumstances.
This development, however, is putting additional pressure on gas stations in the free areas, as their revenue is directly linked to the volume of fuel they sell. “We certainly hope that prices will go down, because all gas stations are paid based on liters,” he said.
In closing, he expressed hope that prices would come down to limit the loss of customers. “I hope they go down, so people don’t go across the street, because that’s not good for our businesses,” he said.
