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A new digital tool aimed at helping Cypriot consumers fight rising prices officially launched Thursday. The platform, called e-kalathi, allows shoppers to compare prices of everyday goods across major supermarkets in real time, potentially saving families money at a time when inflation is still biting.
The website and mobile app "e-kalathi" lets users check the prices and availability of 478 essential items in 20 categories, including milk, bread, pasta, baby products, pet food, and personal care items.
Through e-kalathi, shoppers can build a “basket” of items and instantly see how much that same basket costs at various stores across Cyprus. The platform pulls data from 167 supermarkets across 22 major chains, all of which have a turnover of over €5 million.
How it works
Users must create an account to build and compare baskets. Once logged in, they can choose products and see where to get them at the lowest total cost. Prices are updated almost instantly by the participating supermarkets themselves, and any special offers or discounts are also included.
The Ministry of Commerce’s Consumer Protection Service monitors the pricing updates to make sure they’re accurate and up to date.
A tool for transparency, not price control
Despite some expectations, officials say e-kalathi is not designed to control prices but rather to boost transparency and give people better information to make smart shopping choices.
"It’s not a tool to fight high prices directly," said Konstantinos Karagiorgis, head of the Consumer Protection Service, in a radio interview. "But it helps consumers see where they can find the best deals and make informed decisions."
Mixed reactions from consumer advocates
While supermarkets have welcomed the platform, calling it a positive step toward greater transparency, Cyprus Consumers' Association President Marios Drousiotis criticized the rollout, saying his organization was left out of consultations and the final product falls short of what was promised.
Still, many hope the tool will prove useful in easing pressure on household budgets, especially as electricity prices rise and summer energy
*The platform is available on the web at www.e-kalathi.gov.cy and through the App Store and Google Play use kicks in.
