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March Sees Cyprus Inflation Drop To 1.6% Amid Mixed Trends In Consumer Prices

In the latest economic update, Cyprus continues to see a decrease in inflation, with March 2025 marking a rate of 1.6%, a decline from February’s 1.9%. This trend has persisted since December 2024, according to recent data released by the government.

Fluctuations In Consumer Goods

The data, compiled by the Consumer Protection Service, offers a detailed view of 250 basic consumer products. These were tracked across 400 retail locations island-wide throughout March. Notably, 23 categories saw price increases, whereas 21 experienced decreases. Milk prices remained steady from February, while significant hikes were seen in Cypriot coffee prices, which soared by 8.7% month-on-month and are up 24.6% compared to last year.

Rising And Falling Prices

Other increases included frozen hamburgers (6.5%), baby foods (4.1%), and bottled water (4.1%). Meanwhile, various items like vegetables saw a steep price drop of 23%, fresh fish decreased by 11.3%, and vegetable cooking oil by 6.6%. The price reductions extended to legumes, tampons, and fabric softeners.

Underlying Causes And Sector Insights

The decline in the inflation rate is largely due to a drop in clothing and footwear prices, counterbalanced by hikes in restaurant and hotel charges, alongside rising costs for foodstuffs and non-alcoholic beverages. The Consumer Protection Service highlights this data solely as a guideline for consumers, stressing the importance of personal diligence when shopping.

Cyprus Reduces Fuel Tax By 8.33 Cents As Prices Continue To Rise

The latest surge in fuel prices is putting unprecedented pressure on consumer purchasing power, forcing government intervention amid volatile global energy markets. Historic highs at the pump have compelled officials to enact further consumption tax cuts in a bid to stabilize household budgets while international trends remain unpredictable.

Government Intervention And Policy Measures

Authorities plan to approve an 8.33 cent per liter reduction in consumption tax on premium unleaded gasoline and diesel, effective from April 2026. This will be the third intervention since 2022, when fuel prices rose following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and after a further adjustment in November 2023.

Historical Context And Comparative Analysis

Fuel prices have increased over recent years. In March 2022, premium unleaded stood at €1.442 per liter and diesel at €1.500. By November 2023, prices rose to €1.550 for gasoline and €1.709 for diesel. As of March 2026, gasoline reached €1.571 per liter and diesel €1.819. Compared with 2023 levels, gasoline prices increased by 1.8 cents per liter, while diesel rose by 10.9 cents.

Global Market Dynamics Impacting Local Prices

International benchmarks continue to influence domestic fuel prices. Brent crude remains above $100 per barrel, while the price of heavy Brent oil has increased by about 58% since February 2026. Market indicators such as the Platts Basis Italy index show increases of 52% for gasoline, 89% for diesel, and 88% for heating oil. These trends affect import costs and pricing across the local market.

Consumer Concerns And The Search For Relief

The planned tax reduction may provide short-term relief for transport fuels. Heating oil prices remain higher, reaching about €1.30 per liter, approximately 6 cents above previous levels. No tax reduction has been announced for heating fuel. According to Konstantinos Karagiorgis, reliance on private vehicles increases the impact of fuel price changes on households, given limited public transport options.

Outlook And Future Considerations

The tax reduction is expected to offset part of the recent increase in fuel costs. Consumer groups, including the Cyprus Consumer Association, have called for similar measures on heating oil. Further developments will depend on global energy prices and geopolitical conditions.

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