The noose of accuracy is tightening more and more.
“A little while ago, a woman got out of her car, put in six euros, and handed me her card. Another customer put in four euros.”
Christodoulos Christodoulou – Spokesperson for the Gas Station Owners’ Association
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
That’s all they can afford, and as the Association’s spokesperson explains, that’s likely the remaining balance on their cards.
“Supermarkets, phone bills. Everything has become so expensive. We’re all just trying to get by—our wages haven’t changed.”
SEE ALSO: Zero VAT on meat is in effect—here’s which products it applies to
According to the President of the Cyprus Consumers’ Association, Marios Drousiotis, a large number of citizens can’t make ends meet after the 20th of the month, resulting in them being deprived of even basic food items.
“We pay the highest electricity rates. Supermarkets, pharmacies—from fruits to vegetables, everything. We’re one of the most expensive countries in Europe, with low wages.”
The measures the government is taking do not seem to satisfy citizens, while the rise in prices is so steep that for many, the measures aren’t even noticeable.
“Prices are very high relative to people’s wages; I don’t know where we’ll end up if this keeps up. For now, the government’s measures don’t seem satisfactory. I hope they continue until things reach a point of balance.”
READ ALSO: Gas prices are “skyrocketing”; another increase is coming
Fuel prices are “on fire”
The average price of diesel currently stands at €2.027, unleaded 95 at €1.742, and heating oil at €1.663.
Although the government has included heating oil in its new measures, until the 5-cent reduction in the excise tax takes effect November 1, this will be a gift in name only for consumers.
“By November 1, when this takes effect, the price could rise by as much as 5 cents. In other words, even if they reduce it and it doesn’t go up—and even if it’s reduced by 5 cents—the subsidy the government is providing is very small.”
Christodoulos Christodoulou – Spokesperson for the Gas Station Owners’ Association
READ ALSO: Free access to the fuel prices website has been “cut off”; consumers are now required to register via CY Login
The increase in the price of heating oil over the past 7 months amounts to 72 cents per liter.
Meanwhile, from last Wednesday, when the government announced the measure, until today, the first cent has “gone down the drain.”
“This subsidy is negligible—a drop in the ocean. Since March 1, the government has been collecting 13.5 cents more per liter from heating oil than it did on March 1. The government should take this extra revenue and return it to consumers.”
Marios Drousiotis – President of the Cyprus Consumers’ Association
READ ALSO: Across-the-board measures against inflation under fire: “Support must go to those who need it”
AKEL is also calling for effective measures.
When people are counting every euro just to make ends meet, limited-scope measures aren’t enough. Real support is needed, with priority given to low- and middle-income earners.
AKEL proposes:
- a transportation allowance,
- Nationwide heating assistance,
- a reduction in vehicle registration fees,
- a permanent 5% VAT rate on electricity,
- expansion of social utility rates.
Starting October 12, the zero VAT rate is also expected to be reinstated on bread, dairy products, baby food, coffee, and sugar.
Watch the report by Kleio Vourkou:
