Celery and octopus see sharp price rises
Prices for traditional Green Monday foods have risen sharply, with celery roots up 52.84% and fresh small octopus up 25.05%, according to the Consumer Protection Service Price Observatory.
The survey recorded prices on 19 February at 67 retail points, including supermarkets and fruit shops across all districts, focusing on products commonly consumed on Green Monday such as vegetables, salads, seafood and halva.
Celery roots now average €2.32, up from €1.52 last year. Aubergine salad rose by 27.24% to €4.35, while small fresh cuttlefish increased by 7.20% to €13.10 per kilogram. Lenten flatbread (lagana) rose by 18.29% to €1.44, and tahini increased by 8.88% to €3.81.
Tomatoes and seafood record significant drops
Several products saw notable price decreases compared to last year. Tomato prices fell by 46.74% to €1.69 per kilogram, while courgettes dropped by 27.42% and greenhouse cucumbers by 21.70%. Beetroot prices declined by 18.09%.
Shrimp prices fell by 25.94% to €6.01, while whole cleaned squid dropped by 14.21% to €7.37 per kilogram. Halva prices remained broadly stable at €4–€6 per 400 grams.
Wide price gaps between retailers
The Observatory reported large variations between minimum and maximum prices across different retailers. For example, halva with almonds ranged from €4.45 to €16.99 per kilogram. Large fresh squid ranged from €11.95 to €20 per kilogram, while large fresh octopus ranged from €12.50 to €25.99 per kilogram.
Lagana ranged from €0.99 to €2.15, while sourdough sesame bread ranged from €1.39 to €3.24, depending on the retailer.
Consumer advice from authorities
The Consumer Protection Service stressed that the Price Observatory serves only as a general information tool and does not replace individual market research. Authorities urged consumers to compare prices and consider quality differences before making purchases.
Also read: Limassol carnival 2026 celebrates passion and tradition
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