The gas station owners warned on Monday that they will go on a 24-hour strike since they run the risk of becoming employees of the oil companies. After a meeting held in Limassol today, they decided to take certain measures if the oil companies open more self-owned stations.

In his statements after the meeting, Chairman of Gas Station Owners, Pambinos Charalambous said that the companies own 11% of the total gas stations.

“You certainly realize what will be done if they open more gas stations. We will become employees”, he said. On the other hand, POVEK General Secretary, Stephanos Koursaris stated that this eliminates the status of the real professional gas station owner and is replaced by a regime that will be under the competencies and the decisions of the companies only. “As a result, unfair competition will be a one-way street”, he added.

According to Mr. Charalambous, the companies are ready to open two more gas stations in Limassol. “If this happens, the gas station owners will go on a 24-hour strike. If the companies insist, they will take further measures on a national level”, he concluded.