Cyprus’s heating oil consumers are being treated unequally under a government decision to cut excise duty only on motor fuels, the Cyprus Consumer Association has said.
The association, in a statement, called on the Finance Ministry to extend the reduced rate immediately to heating oil, arguing there is no justification for its exclusion. Consumers who rely on heating oil are already facing significant financial pressure, it said, at a time when prices are rising sharply.
According to the association, the price of heating oil rose by an average of 32 cents per litre between 1 and 29 March 2026, with further notable increases expected before the end of next week.
The government measure reduces the excise duty rate on motor fuels by 8.3 cents per litre from 1 April to the end of June 2026.
The association also noted that heating oil consumption remains significant during the April-to-June period, particularly in mountainous areas where usage continues into mid-May.
Statistical Service data show average monthly consumption during that quarter stands at 2,549 tonnes.
That figure, the association said, demonstrates that heating oil continues to meet essential household needs and should not be excluded from the tax relief.
The Cyprus Consumer Association is urging the government to reconsider its decision, stressing that support measures should cover all consumers affected by rising energy costs on an equal basis.
