Cypriot people lose about €350 million each year. This big cost is because of a slow gas project. Cyprus still uses costly diesel for power. So, the country must buy expensive pollution permits. These facts were told in parliament. Project problems cause big money loss.
The gas project in Vasiliko has had issues. A Chinese company stopped talks. This made the project unsure. A dock is not ready. The state gas company, Defa, must find new workers. This means work will take longer.
A special ship, Prometheas, is ready. Defa's boss, Giorgos Ashikalis, said the ship has new parts. These parts cost €1 million. But the ship cannot go to Cyprus. The dock is not ready. The ship cannot be used now.
The government is thinking about the ship. They might move it to another country. This could help use it later. They also want to rent the ship. But they need the European Commission's okay. The Commission helped pay for the project.
The lost money is a big worry. The €350 million is for pollution permits. This is because Cyprus uses diesel. This costs much money. It also stops Cyprus from helping the climate. Lawmakers are worried. The Prometheas ship is also a problem. It is ready but not used. The government is still deciding.