The government plans to give residents of mountain communities a one-off grant to help cover rising heating costs as temperatures plunge, deputy government spokeswoman Niovi Parisinou said on Friday.

In view of the prevailing weather conditions and the increase in the cost of fuel, President Nicos Anastasiades asked the finance and interior ministers to submit a proposal to cabinet on Wednesday for a one-off grant, over and above the subsidy already granted to mountain communities.

Cyprus has been experiencing an unusual winter, with temperatures plunging below zero and heavy precipitation. Though the rain has brought relief to depleted water stocks in the dams, the cold – combined with costlier fuel – has burned a hole in consumers’ pockets.

Residents in mountain communities, who receive a grant as part of a drive to combat rural depopulation, have been pressing for additional financial help to cope.