Cypriot consumers stockpile goods amid regional tensions

Cypriot consumers have been stockpiling essential goods, including dry foods and infant supplies, due to growing uncertainty and fear of shortages caused by regional geopolitical tensions. Reports of empty shelves and long queues at petrol stations have circulated, mirroring behavior observed during the 2020 pandemic. Marios Antoniou, General Secretary of the Pancyprian Retail Association (PASYLYE), stated that there is no actual shortage of goods and that current supplies cover at least 30 days. He attributed temporary gaps on shelves to logistics and replenishment times. Konstantinos Karagiorgis, Director of the Consumer Protection Service, has called for calm while noting that fuel prices are subject to volatility due to international indices. Meanwhile, inspectors from the Ministry of Commerce are conducting daily market monitoring to prevent price gouging. Officials emphasized that there is no justification for panic or price increases at this time. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding a potential outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which could impact the meat supply chain.