The electronic platform e-kalathi is being launched today in a pilot phase, initially featuring real-time prices for 478 products, updated daily by supermarkets.
In a statement to CNA, the Director of the Consumer Protection Service (CPS) at the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, Konstantinos Karagiorgis, said that the final presentation of the e-kalathi platform to supermarkets took place on Friday, 7th February.
Today, he added, “it will enter a pilot phase, featuring real prices that will be updated daily by supermarkets. Additionally, virtual consumers will be used to test the system and identify any potential issues that may arise.”
In any case, Mr Karagiorgis continued, the pilot phase will run for 10 days, concluding on 20th February. Any minor issues that arise will be fixed, and the final version of the platform will be presented on 4th March.
“From 4th March, consumers will be able to monitor product prices in real-time, 24/7, compare prices in the market, make purchasing decisions based on their financial situation, and send their selected shopping baskets to the supermarkets of their choice,” he noted.
He also stated that the platform will not be static.
“We will continuously monitor consumer needs, making adjustments and updates at regular intervals to ensure ease of use and relevance,” he added.
In response to a question, Mr Karagiorgis said:
“As the competent authority, our aim is to provide consumers with transparency and tools to monitor the market. Through modern technology, they will be able to compare prices, check the cost of consumer goods across various supermarkets, and decide where to shop based on their budget.”
“We believe this initiative will enhance transparency for consumers, enabling them to track prices more easily. Given the economic challenges, instead of physically visiting multiple supermarkets, consumers will be able to access at least 478 essential products via the application, check prices daily, and make informed decisions,” he added.
When asked whether the products will cover different categories, Mr Karagiorgis explained that the 478 initial products were selected as they form the basic weekly household shopping basket. However, the goal is to gradually expand the product list.
In response to a question about supermarket participation, he said that around 22 supermarket chains are expected to take part.
“We consider this a highly user-friendly tool, and we are very pleased to provide this resource to consumers,” he noted.
Finally, he confirmed that anyone will have access to the platform, which will be available both as a web-based service and as a mobile app.
Also read: Morning meeting at KEBE on e-kalathi
