Consumer association reports price hikes and market analysis of e-kalathi data

The Cyprus Consumers Association reported price increases in 39 product categories, totaling 241 items, between April 14 and April 30, 2026. The rises, reaching up to 14%, primarily affected pasta, cheese, chocolate, domestic flour, and yogurt. The association linked these changes to the war in the Middle East. Based on an analysis of the e-kalathi platform on May 3, 2026, the report contrasted current prices with those of July 2025. In July 2025, Sklavenitis offered the lowest cost for 267 common products at 926.52 euros, followed by Athainitis at 979.49 euros. By May 3, 2026, Athainitis recorded the lowest cost for 230 products at 864.69 euros, followed by Sklavenitis at 895.84 euros. The association noted a lack of intense competition among most retailers participating in e-kalathi, citing a 60% average price gap between the most expensive and least expensive stores. It concluded that the current price discrepancies do not reflect a competitive market environment.