Greek Cypriot gas station owners and The association of petrol dealers are protesting unfair competition from imports of fuel from the north.
A chaotic debate sparked when the government officials in the South, told the public it is not illegal to buy Turkish Cypriot gasoline. The fuel dealers move to block motorists from entering the north on Tuesday .
Police have advised motorists in Nicosia that roads leading to the UN crossing point in Aghios Dhometios will be closed on Tuesday morning around 11am due to a demonstration by fuel dealers in front of the Greek Cypriot checkpoint.
It is not clear how long access to the north will remain blocked but Savvas Prokopiou, who represents gas station owners, said protesters would remain there for a short time and then take the demonstration outside the Presidential Palace to deliver their demands.
The fuel dealers demand their customers back or support measures from the government for loss of business.
The government has made clear that that it is not illegal for Greek Cypriots to fill their tanks in the north, but fuel trading is prohibited. Some transport fuel in drums or in hidden tanks installed underneath vehicles.
( Source Kathimerini Cyprus, Cyprus Mail)
