**Petrol Station Owners to Protest Over New Tanker Regulations**
The Cyprus petrol station owners’ association has announced plans for a protest in response to a recent decree from the Ministry of Transport that mandates the immobilization of a significant portion of petrol tankers. The protest is scheduled for Tuesday, starting at 10 AM from the GSP stadium parking lot and proceeding towards the presidential palace.
Association chairman Savvas Prokopiou expressed concerns regarding the decree, which he claims will result in the immobilization of at least 80 to 90 percent of petrol tankers across the island. Prokopiou stated that the immediate implementation of the decree poses challenges, as the necessary procedures and infrastructure to comply with the new regulations are currently lacking.
Prokopiou emphasized that while the petrol station owners support the underlying concept of the decree, they are seeking intervention from President Nikos Christodoulides due to the absence of an agreement or solution with the transport minister. He pointed out that the decree, while intended to enhance safety, does not guarantee this outcome without proper implementation measures.
"We fully accept this decree as a concept," Prokopiou said. "However, imposing a decree does not ensure safety. We request the immediate intervention of the president to provide a solution."
The chairman highlighted the need for a competent agency to be established that can certify tankers, ensuring they meet safety standards before being allowed back on the roads. He acknowledged the potential risks associated with the current situation but stressed that addressing these risks requires a structured process and adequate time for implementation.
The protest is expected to draw significant attention, as petrol station owners aim to voice their concerns over the decree and its implications for their businesses. The association hopes that their demonstration will prompt a dialogue with government officials to find a viable solution that balances safety with operational feasibility.
As the situation develops, petrol station owners remain vigilant, advocating for a collaborative approach to address the challenges posed by the new regulations.