In May, prices for several essential consumer goods increased as inflation continued to affect household budgets. According to the consumer protection service’s price observatory, which tracks the weighted average price of 250 basic products across 400 retail outlets nationwide, a number of categories recorded notable increases.

Sharp Rise In Key Food Categories

Cold cuts recorded one of the biggest monthly increases, rising by 6.4% from April and 9.2% compared with a year earlier. Prices for frozen breaded and pre-cooked fish rose by 6.3% month-on-month, although they remained 15.3% lower than a year ago. Frozen molluscs and shellfish also became more expensive, climbing 6.1% from April despite being 10.9% below last year’s levels.

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Broad Impact Across Multiple Essential Items

Higher prices were also recorded across several other categories. Oil prices increased by 5.8% compared with April, while canned meat rose by 5.4% month-on-month and 7.3% year-on-year. Traditional Cypriot coffee was up 5.1% from the previous month and 5.8% from a year earlier. Baby food prices increased by 5.1% monthly and 10.9% compared with May 2025. Eggs, flour, laundry detergents, frozen pasta, soft drinks, toilet paper, and yoghurt also registered increases.

Selective Price Declines Offer Some Relief

Some categories, however, recorded lower prices. Fresh vegetables and greens fell by 24.3% compared with April, although prices remained 24.9% higher than a year earlier. Modest declines were also recorded for fresh fish, molluscs, and meat, while sugar prices remained largely unchanged despite a slight monthly decrease.

Retail Price Comparisons And Consumer Guidance

Figures from the government’s e-kalathi platform showed that the price gap between the most expensive and cheapest supermarkets narrowed slightly in June. A basket containing 253 common products cost €1,080.72 at Philippos and €972.10 at Sklavenitis, representing a difference of 11.2%.

The observatories are intended to provide information to consumers. Shoppers are encouraged to carry out their own comparisons before making purchases, taking into account quality, individual needs, and their available budget.