Dorita Yiannakou
Panic buying swept through Cyprus’ retail market at the start of the week, as anxious consumers rushed to supermarkets amid growing tensions in the Middle East and reports of attacks near the British bases at RAF Akrotiri.
From early Monday, shoppers began stocking up on basic goods, filling carts with essentials to prepare their households for an uncertain few days ahead. Baby food, rice, lentils, pasta and other long-lasting staples were among the items people hurried to buy in larger quantities.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) says it currently holds fuel reserves that can last about two months at its power stations in Vasilikos Power Station and Dhekelia Power Station.
Retail industry sources say the surge in shopping was driven largely by the anxiety that gripped the public after last week’s developments. The rush, however, began to ease toward the end of the week as concerns slowly calmed.
Despite the wave of stockpiling, officials insist there is no shortage of food or basic supplies in the country. Supermarkets are holding reserves of long-lasting goods that could last up to two months, while suppliers also maintain similar stock levels.
Retail sources say stores have already placed their next orders, and shipments are continuing to arrive normally. So far, neither local nor international suppliers have warned of any disruption to supply chains.
Still, business groups are keeping a close eye on the situation, warning that prolonged instability in the Middle East could eventually affect imports, especially if oil prices continue to rise for an extended period. Higher energy and fuel costs would likely push up production and transport expenses, which could eventually be felt by consumers.
Energy reserves, for now, remain stable.
Spokesperson Christina Papadopoulou said the exact duration depends on electricity demand. During the summer months, when heavy air-conditioning use drives consumption higher, fuel reserves tend to run down more quickly. In periods of lower demand or strong sunshine, when solar energy helps supply the grid, reserves can last longer.
Fuel supplies for the power stations are secured through annual tenders that determine both quantities and fuel specifications, including diesel and heavy fuel oil. Suppliers are responsible for choosing shipping routes and delivery methods based on those requirements.
Papadopoulou said deliveries have continued without disruption in recent days. A tanker from Spain recently unloaded fuel at Vasilikos and then continued to Dhekelia, with no delays or problems reported.
Fuel shipments typically arrive every two to three weeks, and storage tanks remain well stocked, she added.
Government officials also say the country’s strategic reserves are fully covered.
According to government sources, recent checks confirmed that Cyprus has sufficient reserves of essential goods, including medical supplies, food, water and energy resources.
Under European legislation, every EU member state must maintain strategic fuel reserves equal to at least 90 days of consumption, and Cyprus is currently meeting those requirements.
Officials stressed that this obligation applies to the state, not to individual fuel stations, which operate as private businesses.
Authorities have also requested confirmation from hospitals to ensure adequate stocks of medicines and medical supplies, particularly during the early days of a crisis when events can change rapidly. Special attention is being given to antiviral drugs, vaccines, medical oxygen and intensive care unit supplies.
When it comes to food security, Cyprus is required to maintain sufficient reserves of wheat, flour, animal feed, sugar and other long-lasting essentials.
If a crisis were ever to disrupt imports, the government has the authority to release these reserves in a controlled way to stabilize the market, officials said.
For now, authorities say supplies remain steady, even if nerves in the supermarket aisles briefly suggested otherwise.
