The House of Representatives’ plenary meeting yesterday decided to postpone the discussions on the government’s bill concerning the increase of fuel prices and requested that Trade, Industry & Tourism Minister Nicos Rolandis submits this again next week. Mr. Rolandis was asked to have consultations with representatives of the farmers unions on how compensation would be possible following fuel price increases.

Farmers protested outside the parliament building yesterday, seeking an exemption from possible fuel price increases. Mr. Rolandis reported that due to increased prices internationally recently, the government’s subsidies are costing the state CYP 800.000 per week of taxpayers’ money.

An increase of between 3 cents to 4 cents is expected to be added to the current price of fuel next week.