Extra Greek Cypriot Motorists Cross North for Cheaper Gas
Oct 11, 2026 10:46 am
Ibrar Younas
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Rising gasoline costs in South Cyprus are prompting extra Greek Cypriot motorists to cross into the TRNC to fill their tanks, with petrol round 20 per cent cheaper and diesel costing roughly a 3rd much less.
In accordance with the Greek Cypriot Customs Division, the variety of motorists looking for cheaper gasoline within the TRNC tends to extend at any time when costs rise or additional will increase are anticipated.
Customs Division spokesman Yorgos Konstantinou mentioned the pattern grew to become notably noticeable in February and March 2026, when rising gasoline costs coincided with a pointy enhance within the quantity of petrol and diesel confiscated at crossing factors.
He mentioned customs officers beforehand seized a median of 150 to 200 litres of gasoline per 30 days, however the portions had risen to roughly 500 litres every for petrol and diesel in the course of the interval.
The worth distinction between the 2 sides of the island stays substantial. In South Cyprus, 95-octane petrol at the moment averages €1.757 per litre, whereas diesel prices €2.022.
In North Cyprus, petrol sells for 77.12TL per litre and diesel for 76TL, making gasoline considerably cheaper for motorists travelling throughout the Inexperienced Line.
In accordance with figures reported by the Cyprus Mail, petrol within the TRNC is roughly 20 per cent cheaper than within the south, whereas diesel is round 33 per cent inexpensive.
Konstantinou additionally raised considerations about gasoline high quality, claiming that petrol and diesel bought within the TRNC weren’t topic to the identical inspection procedures as these within the south.
He went additional by describing the choice to buy gasoline in North Cyprus as a “ethical concern”, though the substantial value hole continues to supply a monetary incentive for motorists to cross north to refuel.
