Nicosia: If deemed necessary, the government is ready to announce additional measures to mitigate the economic consequences of the war in the Middle East for consumers, said the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, on Saturday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in statements to journalists following his visit to the 'Alefka' outpost of the National Guard in Pyrgos Tyllirias, and responding to a remark by a journalist that fuel prices are rising daily, causing concern among citizens, the President said, 'I fully understand the concerns of citizens.'
The President elaborated, 'I am pleased that, as a state, precisely because of our responsible fiscal policy, we have implemented measures exceeding pound 200 million,' noting that the fuel excise duty cut comes into effect on Saturday. He emphasized the government's readiness to meet citizens' expectations within the framework of a rational approach, considering that current conditions may persist.
President Christodoulides highlighted that the government is assessing data daily and has directed the Consumer Protection Service to conduct daily inspections to prevent profiteering. 'And if the need arises, we are ready to announce additional measures, always within the framework of our responsibility,' he noted.
Furthermore, the President commented on international efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis, stating, 'This is the main objective at the moment. And I hope these initiatives will yield results.' He clarified that while Cyprus is part of the region's geography, it is not directly involved in the crisis. As the presiding country of the Council of the European Union, Cyprus is actively working towards achieving de-escalation.