**Protesting Tanker Owners Demand More Time to Comply with ADR Regulations**
Nicosia, Cyprus – On Tuesday, fuel tanker owners gathered outside the presidential palace to protest against new ADR (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route) requirements that they claim are too stringent and require more time for compliance. The protest, which saw around 50 trucks participating, culminated in the delivery of a memorandum to Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou, urging President Nikos Christodoulides to intervene.
The ADR regulations, which govern the transport of hazardous materials, have been in place for nearly two decades, yet many tanker owners argue that the recent decree issued by the transport minister could lead to the immobilization of up to 90% of fuel tankers currently on the road. Savvas Prokopiou, chairman of the petrol station owners’ association, stated that while the owners do not oppose the decree, they believe they need more time to adapt to the new requirements.
“This is an issue that should have been sorted out with a timeframe,” Prokopiou remarked, emphasizing the need for a more gradual implementation process. He pointed out that most fuel tankers could be modified to meet the new standards, while others could be replaced with financial assistance. Prokopiou estimated that around 50 tankers would need replacing, and he noted that subsidies for this purpose would not exceed €4 million.
In contrast, a representative from the Road Transport Department (TOM) indicated that the tanker owners had ample time to prepare for the changes, having received 18 years of notice regarding the mandatory ADR compliance. The TOM representative highlighted that the transport ministry had provided a one-year deadline for compliance, which has now elapsed. “For so many years they did nothing. They had a year’s notice and did nothing. And now they are protesting,” the representative stated.
The ADR requirements include essential safety measures such as driver training, mandatory safety equipment, and hazard markings for vehicles transporting dangerous goods. These regulations are designed to enhance safety and minimize risks associated with the transport of flammable liquids. According to the TOM representative, only 80 out of approximately 420 fuel tankers currently on the road meet the ADR standards, with the majority being smaller vehicles used for delivering heating fuel to homes and businesses.
Prokopiou acknowledged the safety concerns raised by the TOM, stating, “Both the transport ministry and TOM have been saying that it is risky to let a tanker with no ADR on the roads as an accident could happen and people could die.” However, he argued that the implementation of the decree should allow for a reasonable adjustment period.
During the protest, Antoniou assured the tanker owners that their memorandum would be conveyed to President Christodoulides. He acknowledged the need for a solution while reiterating that safety remains a top priority. Prokopiou expressed optimism after the meeting, stating that Antoniou “understood the problem” and was receptive to their request for more time. He indicated that if a satisfactory resolution is not reached, further protests may be organized.
The TOM representative, however, maintained that the tanker owners have not taken the necessary steps to comply with the regulations over the years. “The previous governments did not address the issue. Last year, the transport minister said they had a year to comply. They could either buy new tankers or change the use of the existing ones at TOM so that they are not registered to carry fuel. They did nothing,” he said.
Prokopiou also highlighted that Greece has been granted an extension until June 30, 2027, to comply with similar regulations, raising the question of why Cypriot tanker owners should not receive similar consideration. “Why should we be the exception?” he asked.
As the situation unfolds, the impact on consumers remains a concern, particularly with the impending cold season. If a significant number of tankers are removed from service, consumers may need to plan ahead for heating fuel deliveries. The TOM has indicated that any tankers failing to meet ADR standards will be stopped by police, further complicating the logistics of fuel transport in the region.
The protest reflects broader concerns about regulatory compliance and the balance between safety and operational feasibility for businesses in the fuel transport sector. As discussions continue, stakeholders from both sides will need to find common ground to ensure safety while allowing for practical compliance timelines.