Where shoppers buy their groceries can make a substantial difference to their weekly spending, with a Cyprus Consumers Association survey finding price differences of up to 226% for the same products across supermarkets.
The survey found that 54 products had price gaps of between 100% and 226% between the cheapest and most expensive stores. Separately, fruit and vegetables checked at a farmers market near GSP Stadium in Nicosia were, on average, 26% cheaper than supermarket prices recorded on the Agriculture Ministry’s e-kofini platform.
The findings highlight the potential savings from comparing prices, while the association has called for improvements to the government’s e-kalathi price comparison service.
Significant price gaps across supermarkets
Conducted on September 30, the survey covered all products and supermarkets participating in e-kalathi.
Of the products surveyed, 54, representing 11.3%, recorded price differences of between 100% and 226% between the cheapest and most expensive retailers.
Nearly half of the products had price gaps ranging from 50% to 99%, while a further 27.3% showed differences of between 30% and 49%.
These figures compare prices between stores rather than increases over time. However, they demonstrate how supermarket choice can affect the cost of everyday shopping.
The association said Cypriot products generally showed smaller price differences. It also argued that the platform’s data suggested limited evidence of strong price competition among most participating supermarkets.
Calls to improve e-kalathi
The association called for a review of the products listed on e-kalathi, questioning whether items stocked by only one retailer could be considered widely available essentials.
Some products were available at between one and 40 stores, according to the association. This limited availability can make it difficult for consumers to compare prices for a realistic weekly shopping basket.
The association also asked the authorities to clarify what had happened to 1,000 additional products previously announced for inclusion on the platform.
It said errors in price entries remained despite being reported a month earlier.
Farmers market offers cheaper fruit and vegetables
On October 9, the association compared fruit and vegetable prices at the farmers market near GSP Stadium with prices for the same products recorded on the Agriculture Ministry’s e-kofini platform.
The market prices were 26% lower on average. The result applies to the products included in that comparison and does not necessarily reflect prices at every farmers market or for all fruit and vegetables.
The association encouraged consumers, where possible, to avoid products that have become more expensive. It argued that changes in purchasing habits could put pressure on sellers to limit price increases.
Also read: Pensions: How much payments could rise under proposed reform
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
