More than 4,000 motorists in Cyprus jumped at the opportunity for a state grant to go full electric, as the first phase of a ‘generous’ incentive scheme went live a week ago, with authorities saying that grants are still available for used electric vehicles for taxi drivers, people with disabilities, mopeds and bicycles.

Sales of petroleum products in Cyprus have taken off, as they recorded an increase of 24.9% in November 2021, compared to the same month in 2020, with 115,658 tonnes of fuels sold, according to data from the island’s Statistical Service.

Loan restructurings in the Cypriot banking system edged close to €2 billion in the first ten months of 2021, marking the highest figure according to Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) records which began at the end of 2014.

Cyprus announced on Thursday its commitment to contribute €5.77 million as a donor country, in the context of the remote meetings held on 14 and 15 December for the $93 billion replenishment package of the International Development Association (IDA), to help low-income countries respond to the COVID-19 crisis and build a greener, more resilient, and inclusive future.

Cyprus was one of the countries where the largest reduction in both primary as well as final energy consumption was recorded, according to data released by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office.

The percentage of people who made online purchases showed a significant increase, which reached 48% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 34.1% in the corresponding period last year, according to data by the Statistical Service of Cyprus.

Capital Intelligence Ratings (CI) has affirmed the long-term foreign currency rating (LT FCR) and short-term foreign currency (ST FCR) of Bank of Cyprus (BoC) at ‘BB-’ and ‘B’, respectively, affirming its ‘stable’ outlook, in line with other rating agencies.

The number of businesses in Cyprus rose for a fourth consecutive year in 2020, albeit the annual rise was contained to 2% due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The greatest culture project implemented by the Government, the new Cyprus Museum, is underway following an announcement on Wednesday for the tender of the construction contract.

Weekly tests, delayed reopening of schools and halving of the period for the recovery certificate are among measures announced on Tuesday afternoon by the health ministry to slow the spread of Covid-19.