ΕΚΟ honoured for actions taken during Covid-19

• Honours awarded by the Pancyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council (PVCC)

• The company adapted its operations to meet challenges posed by the pandemic

Nicosia January 18, 2022 – EKO was awarded with Distinction for outstanding community actions taken in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The company received the honour in recognition to the multifaceted contribution to society at the 6th corporate social responsibility awards organised by the Pancyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council (PVCC). The ceremony took place on January 12, at the Olympic House, in the presence of the First Lady and Honorary President of the PVCC Mrs. Andry Anastasiadou.

In order to meet the challenges brought on by the pandemic, EKO Cyprus adapted its operations to create a safe working environment for its staff and associates and provided seamless products and services to its customers. At the same time, the company integrated innovative transaction methods that were warmly welcomed by the public.

EKO Cyprus implemented a comprehensive social contribution programme by joining forces with the Cyprus authorities and ordinary citizens to better overcome the consequences of the crisis caused by the pandemic. The company purchased 15 portable high-tech respirators that were urgently needed by state health officials. Meanwhile, EKO fully funded over three flights to transport medical supplies from China and other countries and purchased a number of tablets to assist 16 local schools with their e-learning needs.

Prior to the introduction of health measures by the state, EKO Cyprus proactively placed all means of disinfection such as antiseptics, liquids, masks and other supplies in their offices and service stations nationwide, providing a clean and safe environment for all EKO staff and associates. The company introduced mandatory thermometry in the central offices and carried out regular disinfections. As a further initiative, EKO launched "Clean Teams", a programme which would allow for the rotation of service stations’ staff if a positive case occurred, while operation procedures were modified so that the company can operate remotely with access to all systems and logistics.

The pioneering and award-winning EKO Smile App was launched for consumers introducing features such as contactless payments, activation of the fuel pump from the mobile app and supply by service station staff without any need for direct interaction, always maintaining social distancing measures. EKO Smile App became immediately the preferred fuelling app by consumers and up to this day EKO remains the only company that provides this feature in Cyprus. Receiving the award from the PVCC, Mr George Gregoras, CEO of Hellenic Petroleum Cyprus, noted that, “EKO responsibly contributed to the collective effort of the Cypriot government to manage Covid-19.”

He added that, “in order to adapt promptly and safely to the new conditions that arose from the spread of the pandemic, EKO faced unprecedented challenges, not only for the company but for all of humanity.” He added that due to the smart ideas, hard work and faith, they achieved their mission, thanks to the dedication and efforts of all stakeholders. He concluded by saying that EKO’s actions are a testament to the trust placed in the company by consumers and associates.