Consumer safety alerts and rising fuel prices impact Europe

Consumer safety and rising energy costs are major concerns in the Mediterranean region. The EU Safety Gate system has identified 33 dangerous products across Europe, including toys, electrical appliances, cosmetics, and chemicals. These products pose risks such as choking, electric shock, fire, and chemical hazards. In Cyprus, the Consumer Protection Service has distributed these findings to various government departments for market monitoring.

Simultaneously, fuel prices are experiencing significant upward pressure. In Greece, the average price for 95-octane unleaded gasoline has surpassed 2 euros per liter, driven by rising international energy markets and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Wholesale refinery prices for major companies like ELPE and Motor Oil have also seen increases.

In Cyprus, the political party AKEL has criticized the Christodoulides administration for its handling of fuel price hikes. AKEL argues that the government lacks a comprehensive plan to address the economic impact of rising costs on society and suggests that increased state revenue from fuel taxes should be returned to citizens through support measures.