Autogas behind schedule in Cyprus

Bureaucracy, delays and opposition from petrol importers are cited among the primary reasons why autogas in Cyprus isn't catching on as planned. The government's plan was to have LPG-powered cars on the roads in the first quarter of 2016, but now it's becoming clear that this isn't going to happen.

It seems as though the timeframe for the first quarter of 2016 will be difficult to implement but as the commerce committee we will exercise pressure and make the appropriate contacts so it can be implemented within the timeframe.

Zacharias Zachariou, House Commerce committee chairman

© Cyprus MailThis isn't a common sight in Cyprus today, but hopefully that's about to change very soon

Petrol-importing companies are said to be the chief obstacle in the process. Since they have more to lose than to gain if cars are converted to run on cheaper autogas, they show very little initiative in terms of setting up refueling infrastructure for the future LPG fleet.

Luckily, the government is aware of the problem and willing to resolve it. Apart from petrol importers' resistance there's also the matter of insufficient information and public awareness – autogas used to be banned as motor fuel in Cyprus and many citizens simply don't know it's now allowed to have a car powered with it.

And last but not least there's the aforementioned bureaucracy – terms and conditions regarding storage and transport of LPG weren't made public in time and applications for licensing new storage stations are taking way too long to examine and approve by appropriate authorities. Additionally, these stations are required to be underground, which is making things anything but quicker, easier and cheaper. On top of all the above, hiring new people for the autogas industry is taking longer than originally expected.

Hopefully all the issues will be addressed by spring and drivers in Cyprus will be free to start saving their money and cutting their emissions shortly after. Let's hope no new obstacles ruin the timeframe this time.