Newsroom
Seventeen products recorded increases of between 5% and 15.31% in their average retail prices during October, while 35 products became cheaper, with reductions ranging from 5% to 12.3%, according to the Cyprus Consumers Association.
The figures suggest that price movements varied across supermarket shelves last month, although the overall average cost of the 476 products monitored by the Association edged down slightly.
The average price across all products stood at 4.53 cents on October 1, falling to 4.50 cents by October 31, according to data collected through the government's e-kalathi platform.
Among the products recording the sharpest price increases were ravioli, fruit juices, wet baby wipes, flour and household cleaning supplies. On the other hand, some of the largest reductions were recorded in cheese, chocolate, baby food, pasta and coffee.
The Association attributed part of the decline in baby food and coffee prices to the introduction of a zero VAT rate on these products, which took effect on October 12, 2026.
Despite the price reductions, the organisation questioned the level of competition between supermarkets participating in e-kalathi, saying there was little evidence of strong competition among most of the retailers included in the platform.
It also argued that the selection of products available for comparison needs to be reviewed, pointing out that certain items are stocked by very few supermarkets, with some available at just one outlet.
The Association said this does not reflect the platform's stated purpose of providing consumers with information on commonly purchased goods. It argued that an item sold at only one supermarket outlet should not be classified as a basic household product.
Questions were also raised over a previously announced plan to add 1,000 new products to e-kalathi by June 2026. The Association called on the relevant authority to clarify what had happened to the promised additions.
The findings were based on prices published through e-kalathi, operated by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, and information processed through the free Smart Kalathi application.
The Association encouraged consumers to reconsider purchasing products that have recorded significant price increases, where alternative options are available. It described this as a way for shoppers to respond to rising costs and encourage greater price restraint.
It added that it would continue monitoring the prices of products listed on e-kalathi and publishing its findings to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
