Significant increases in everyday consumer products, as well as major pricing differences between supermarkets and fuel stations, have been recorded by the Cyprus Consumers Association in a new announcement covering the first half of May.

According to the announcement, between May 1 and May 15, 2026, price increases were recorded in 182 product barcodes across 31 different product categories. The increases ranged from 1% to 9%.

The largest price hikes were identified in categories including nuts, fruit and vegetable juices, fabric softeners, frozen pasta products, baby food, frozen vegetables, olive oil, and baby wipes.

The Association points to limited competition in the market, noting that strong competition is observed only among a very small number of supermarkets, while the overwhelming majority of businesses participating in the e-kalathi platform show no substantial pricing pressure.

Price increases from May 1, 2026 to May 15, 2026

1. Price increases were identified in 31 product categories involving 182 product barcodes.

2. Most increases were observed in categories such as nuts, fruit juices, fabric softeners, frozen pasta products, baby food, frozen vegetables, olive oil, and baby wipes.

3. The increases ranged from 1% to 9%.

4. Intense competition is observed in only a very limited number of supermarkets participating in e-kalathi.

At the same time, the Association highlights that the price differences between supermarkets are so substantial that, according to the organization, they cannot be considered a sign of healthy competition.

In a survey conducted on 370 products from a specific supermarket chain operating seven stores, prices were found to be significantly higher than the average prices of supermarkets participating in e-kalathi, with differences reaching as high as 91%.

The Cyprus Consumers Association states that the conclusions of the research are based exclusively on data recorded in the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry’s e-kalathi platform, as well as the free smart kalathi application.

Regarding fuel prices, the Association notes that Paphos remains the most expensive district for diesel fuel, with an average price of €1.856 per liter, while Larnaca remains the cheapest district at €1.820 per liter.

Research into company-owned fuel stations also shows significant differences in retail fuel prices both between districts and within the same district.

According to the data, price differences in Limassol reach up to 4.3 cents per liter, in Nicosia up to 4.1 cents, and in Paphos up to 5.6 cents per liter.

Key Observations

Paphos continues over time to be the most expensive district, with €1.856 per liter.

Limassol is the second most expensive district at €1.833 per liter.

Famagusta is the third most expensive district at €1.823 per liter.

Nicosia is the fourth most expensive district at €1.822 per liter.

Larnaca is the cheapest district at €1.820 per liter.

Company-owned fuel stations show pricing differences both between districts and within the same district.

Company-owned stations are stations owned by petroleum importing companies.

The Association estimates that fuel prices at company-owned stations are not determined solely by fuel purchase costs, but are also influenced by competition between stations located in the same area or along the same consumer routes.

Source: Brief