Retail prices across a basket of 476 products in Cyprus recorded a slight overall decline in October 2026, although some items saw significant increases. The Cyprus Consumers Association also raised concerns about competition among supermarkets participating in the government’s e-kalathi platform.

Between October 1 and October 31, prices increased by 5% to 15.31% for 17 products, while 35 products recorded declines of between 5% and 12.3%. Despite these fluctuations, the average price of the overall basket remained broadly unchanged.

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Biggest Price Changes In October

The sharpest increases were recorded in ravioli, fruit juices, liquid baby wipes, flour and household cleaning products. Meanwhile, cheese, chocolate, baby food, pasta and coffee saw the largest price reductions.

Some of the declines in baby food and coffee prices were linked to the zero VAT rate introduced on October 12, 2026.

Association Questions Competition On E-Kalathi

Despite the overall price decline, the Association said there appeared to be little “fierce competition” among most supermarkets participating in e-kalathi.

It also called for a review of the products listed on the platform, noting that some are available in only a limited number of stores or, in certain cases, just one. This, it argued, conflicts with the responsible authority’s description of e-kalathi as covering widely consumed products.

“A product sold by only one store within a supermarket chain cannot be considered a basic product of wide consumption,” the Association said.

Questions Over Promised Product Additions

The Association also asked for an update on a commitment by the responsible authority to add 1,000 products to e-kalathi by June 2026, questioning whether the promise had been forgotten.

Consumers were encouraged, where practical, to avoid purchasing products that have become more expensive. The Association said such choices could signal dissatisfaction and help put pressure on prices.

How The Price Comparison Was Conducted

The findings are based on prices recorded on e-kalathi, operated by Cyprus’s Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, and an analysis of data from the privately operated Smart Kalathi app.

The Association said it would continue monitoring prices and publishing its findings to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.