Consumer association findings reveal major price gaps in Cyprus retail

A recent study by the Cyprus Consumers' Association, conducted on September 30, 2026, has uncovered significant price disparities among supermarkets participating in the e-kalathi platform. Research data indicates that 11.3% of products show price variations between minimum and maximum ranging from 100% to 226%, while 48.5% of items exhibit discrepancies between 50% and 99%. The Association has questioned the platform's effectiveness and limited competition among retailers.

In a separate assessment conducted on October 9, 2026, at the outdoor market near the GSP Stadium, researchers found that fruit and vegetable prices were on average 26% lower compared to the prices listed on the Ministry of Agriculture's e-kofini application. Notable price reductions were recorded for items like black eggplants (44.81% lower) and plum tomatoes (34.99% lower).

The Consumer Association has formally requested a re-evaluation of products included in the e-kalathi system, arguing that items sold exclusively by a single supermarket chain should not be classified as essential consumer goods. They are currently calling on the relevant authorities to provide information regarding the promised addition of 1,000 new products to the platform to improve market transparency and competition.