Inflation accelerates in March
Food inflation in Cyprus recorded a notable increase in March 2026, reaching 3.8% compared with 2.7% in the previous month, according to the Basic Consumer Goods Observatory. Authorities link the rise mainly to developments in energy and agricultural markets influenced by the conflict in the Middle East.
The report also shows that the annual inflation rate climbed to 1.2%, up from 0.1% in February and 0.5% in January, reflecting broader price pressures across key consumer categories.
Fuel and agricultural costs drive increases
Petroleum products rose by 9.1% compared with the previous month, while agricultural products increased by 6.1%, directly affecting overall food inflation in Cyprus.
Compared with March 2025, agricultural products posted the largest annual increase at 13.3%, followed by services at 2.5% and petroleum products at 2.3%. In contrast, electricity and water recorded a significant annual decrease of 13%.
Food category price shifts
The observatory recorded price increases in 33 product categories and decreases in 12 compared with February 2026.
Significant monthly increases included frozen fish (+13.9%), cured meats (+10.1%), canned and sweetened milk (+8.1%), juices (+7.3%), and bottled water (+6.8%). Fresh vegetables and greens rose by 4.6%, while oils increased by 4.5%.
At the same time, several categories recorded decreases, including fish preserves (-12.8%), fresh fish and seafood (-11%), rice (-9%), and cheese (-3.3%).
These shifts continue to shape food inflation in Cyprus, particularly in essential household goods.
Supermarket basket gap narrows
Data from the e-kalathi platform showed that the difference between the most expensive and cheapest supermarket basket (257 identical products) fell to €122.42 in April 2026, compared with €131.61 in the previous month.
The most expensive basket reached €1,136.26, while the cheapest stood at €1,013.84.
Authorities encouraged consumers to use the digital platform to compare prices and make more informed purchasing decisions, as food inflation in Cyprus pressures continue to affect household budgets.
Consumer monitoring continues
The Consumer Protection Service noted that the observatory tracks 250 basic consumer products across 400 retail stores nationwide, using weighted average prices based on daily sales data.
Officials stressed that the system provides a clear picture of price trends and helps monitor ongoing developments in inflation in Cyprus amid global economic uncertainty.
Also read: Concerns over possible disruptions in transport fuel supplies
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
