Prices in Cyprus stores have risen to 15.31%, but some products have fallen in price.

Prices in Cypriot stores fluctuated in both directions in October. The Cyprus Consumers' Association recorded average price increases ranging from 5% to 15.31% for 17 products and decreases ranging from 5% to 12.3% for 35 products. At the same time, the average for the entire set of 476 items surveyed decreased slightly.

The analysis compares data from the e-kalathi platform between October 1 and 31, 2026. The organization points to price increases for juices, flour, and baby wipes, among other items. It also questions the competitiveness of most participating supermarkets and the selection of products for the comparison tool.

Prices in shops in Cyprus – what has gone up and what has gone down?

The association lists ravioli, fruit juices, baby wipes, flour and household cleaning products among the items with the largest average price increases.

At the other end of the spectrum were cheese, chocolate, baby food, pasta, and coffee. However, this comparison doesn't mean that every product in these categories changed price by the same amount. It refers to specific items included in the monitoring.

The average has dropped, but not every bill will be lower

Despite some price increases, the average price across the entire monitored set has decreased slightly. However, this does not translate into identical savings for every household.

For shoppers, the composition of their purchases is important. Someone who frequently chooses products that have increased in price may pay more, even if the overall price comparison shows a slight decrease.

These figures should also not be considered an inflation indicator for Cyprus as a whole. The analysis covers products and supermarkets available in e-Kalathi, not all expenditures by residents.

Zero VAT helped reduce some prices

The association attributes the decline in the prices of baby food and coffee partly to the introduction of the zero VAT rate from October 12th. The date of the extension of the relief was confirmed by a statement from the Cyprus Tax Department.

This doesn't mean that every recorded reduction is solely due to the tax change. The organization cites VAT as one of the factors influencing the result.

Consumers ask about competition and missing products

The association estimates that there is no significant competition between most supermarkets participating in e-Kalathi. This is the position of a consumer organization, not a finding of a competition authority regarding a violation of the law.

Concerns also arise regarding the comparison site's product range. According to the organization, some products can be found in very few stores, or even just one. This limits the ability to compare offers and raises questions about whether such items should be considered basic consumer goods.

The association also requests information about the announced expansion of the platform by 1,000 products by June 2026. It asks about the implementation of this declaration – the announcement itself does not explain the reasons for the possible delay.

How to use a price comparison tool before shopping?

The organization encourages consumers to avoid products that have seen price increases wherever possible. It sees this as a way to exert pressure to limit price increases.

When looking for alternatives, it's worth comparing weight and price per kilogram or liter. Cheaper packaging doesn't always mean a better deal.

The association based its October conclusions on data from the state-run e-Kalathi platform and its processing in the free, private Smart Kalathi application. These are not two independent market studies. The organization announces continued price monitoring and publication of the results.