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Rising Construction Costs in Cyprus: A 2025 Insight

In the first four months of 2025, the construction scene in Cyprus has felt the pinch of rising material costs. According to the state statistical service, the construction materials price index jumped by 1.2%, compared to the same timeframe in 2024.

In April alone, the index levelled at 119.03 units, marking a subtle yet impactful 0.18% uptick from March. This trend is pivotal as it integrates with the national economic strategies mentioned earlier in Cyprus’ Economic Growth: A 2025 Projection.

Mineral and Electromechanical Products Lead the Increase

A detailed breakdown reveals substantial increases in specific categories: mineral products spiked by 3.80%, while products derived from minerals saw a 3.31% rise. Additionally, electromechanical goods increased by 1.46%.

The price hike also touched wood products, insulating materials, chemicals, and plastics, which saw a collective 0.56% rise.

Metal Products Offer a Silver Lining

Contrary to the overall upward trend, metal products exhibited a minor downturn of 0.46%, suggesting a temporary relief in an otherwise escalating market.

This index is crucial for understanding shifts that influence both private developments and public infrastructure projects.

Bank Of England Holds Rates At 3.75% In Split Vote As Inflation Risks Rise

The Bank of England kept its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% on Thursday, but the decision was not unanimous. In a 6-3 vote, the Monetary Policy Committee kept rates unchanged, while three members backed a 25-basis-point increase to 4%. Renewed energy price pressures have added to concerns that inflation could remain elevated.

Inflation Pressures Remain

Policymakers said inflation “is likely to rise further over coming quarters,” citing higher and more volatile crude oil and refined energy prices since the conflict began.

So far, there has been “little evidence” of significant second-round effects, such as broader wage and price increases. Inflation risks, however, are now “tilted to the upside” and have increased since the July Monetary Policy Report.

Energy Prices Add To Inflation Risks

Brent crude has risen 36% since July, reaching $106 a barrel on Sept. 14, while UK wholesale gas prices increased 78% to 207 pence per therm.

Higher energy costs can feed into transport, production and household expenses, raising costs across supply chains. Refinery pressures have also pushed crack spreads, the difference between refined fuel and crude prices, well above pre-conflict levels.

Economy Shows Resilience

Despite the inflation risks, UK economic activity has held up slightly better than the Bank expected. A softer labor market and higher borrowing costs are expected to help reduce inflation over time.

Previous monetary tightening is still working through the economy, according to policymakers. So far, the latest energy shock has not produced clear evidence of a broader wage-price spiral.

Major Central Banks Take Different Paths

The decision comes during a busy period for global monetary policy. The Federal Reserve raised rates Wednesday to 3.75%-4% in its first increase since 2023, while the European Central Bank recently lifted its deposit rate to 2.5%.

The Bank of Japan is due to announce its decision Friday, with markets expecting a rate increase. Thursday’s split vote shows that pressure for tighter policy remains within the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.

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