Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ total sales of petroleum products fell by 5.1 per cent in May 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier, according to figures released on Friday by the Cyprus Statistical Service. The decline came as monthly demand strengthened and the government extended reduced excise duties to ease fuel costs.
Annual decline across most categories
Total petroleum sales reached 127,538 tonnes in May 2026, down from May 2025. According to Cystat, the annual decrease reflected weaker demand across most fuel categories.
The largest declines were recorded in kerosene, down 23.6 per cent, asphalt, down 20.8 per cent, heavy fuel oil, down 18.2 per cent, and marine gasoil provisions, down 13.3 per cent.
Heating gasoil fell by 11.5 per cent, aviation kerosene provisions declined by 7.5 per cent, road diesel dropped by 4.1 per cent, and motor gasoline edged down by 0.3 per cent.
Only one category posts growth
Light fuel oil was the only category to register annual growth, with sales rising by 19.0 per cent.
Sales through filling stations also declined, falling 2.6 per cent year-on-year to 56,867 tonnes, indicating slightly softer demand from private motorists.
Month-on-month demand strengthens
Compared with April 2026, total petroleum sales increased by 7.7 per cent in May, indicating a recovery in demand.
Aviation kerosene provisions rose by 13.2 per cent month-on-month, while road diesel sales increased by 8.8 per cent and motor gasoline sales climbed by 8.3 per cent.
