Cyprus protesters demand electricity and fuel be classified as essential goods

Organizers of a nationwide protest in Cyprus have submitted a memorandum to President Nikos Christodoulides, demanding that electricity and fuel be classified as essential goods. The group argues that high energy costs are undermining the dignity of households and the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to data from the Statistical Service, Cyprus's harmonized consumer price index exceeded 5% in August 2026 compared to the previous year, with energy costs specifically rising by 15%. The memorandum highlights that for minimum wage earners, the combined cost of electricity, rent, food, and transport consumes a disproportionate share of income. It notes that a bi-monthly Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) bill for 1,000 kWh currently reaches 295 euros.

The protesters attribute these burdens to high production costs, expensive fuels, renewable energy sources lacking storage capabilities, and high VAT. Key demands include a permanent reduction of VAT to 5%, a revision of pollution rights costing, targeted subsidies for vulnerable households funded by pollution revenues, and increased investment in the power grid and battery storage systems to better utilize low-cost renewable energy.