Cyprus Consumers Association reports price increases and lack of competition in e-kalathi

The Cyprus Consumers Association reports that prices for products in the e-kalathi platform began to rise noticeably from April 15, 2026. Based on data evaluated on April 19, 2026, the association claims that there is insufficient competition among supermarkets participating in the program, which was launched on June 12, 2025. An analysis of 42 random products revealed an average price difference of 62% between the most expensive and cheapest options, with six products showing differences exceeding 100%. Conversely, the study found an 18% average price difference for fresh pasteurized milk across the country, with three major supermarkets recording identical prices. In July 2025, the association previously identified Sklavenitis and Athainitis as having the lowest costs for a basket of 267 common products. The findings suggest that despite the digital tracking system, significant price disparities persist for basic consumer goods.