Nicosia, Cyprus. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said on Monday that Cyprus is “in a less favourable position” than other European Union countries regarding the security of its oil supply, while stressing there is no fuel shortage at present.
Coordination and preparedness
Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting of the European transport federation’s executive committee in Nicosia, Vafeades said Cyprus needs to remain aware of developments and maintain good coordination with other EU member states and the European Commission.
He said preparatory work is being carried out at a strategic level, including recording available data in Cyprus, and added that the island’s position is less favourable than central Europe due to its lack of energy connections with central European countries.
Island dependence and regional uncertainty
Vafeades said Cyprus is an island state that depends on aviation and shipping, and that this must be taken into account in managing the situation.
He said how the situation in the Middle East will develop is unpredictable and that this has created problems in the fuel supply chain, adding that authorities are monitoring developments to take appropriate measures in a timely manner if possible.
Ministerial discussions on potential shortages
Vafeades said this was the reason behind the informal meeting of European transport ministers which he chaired last week, adding that the issue was discussed and ideas were developed.
He also said there is the possibility of fuel shortages affecting Cyprus and Europe.
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