The Consumer Protection Service’s Price Observatory, released on Friday, has recorded significant price increases for vegetables and other traditional Clean Monday foods.

Among vegetables, the steepest rise compared to last year—176%—was observed in artichokes, followed by kohlrabi at 157% and greenhouse cucumbers at 112%. Their prices now range between €3.65 and €4.95. Other notable vegetable prices include:

• Greens: €0.38 - €0.55

• Beets: €1.20 - €2.65

• Potatoes: €0.49 - €1.50

• Tomatoes: €1.89 - €4.80

Halva saw a more modest increase of 2-10%, with prices ranging from €1.95 to €6.90.

On the other hand, tahini salad recorded a price drop of up to 15%, with an average price of €1.21. Meanwhile, hummus prices increased by up to 10%, averaging €1.21, and taramasalata rose by 8% to €1.20. Olives also saw a 12-15% increase, averaging €4.58.

Seafood prices presented a mixed picture. Shrimp and cuttlefish prices dropped by 14% and 15%, respectively, with cuttlefish prices ranging between €6.40 and €9.95. In contrast, squid prices rose by 20%, averaging €7.16. The average price for frozen octopus is €6.15, while fresh octopus reaches €19.98. Calamari is priced at €18.22 on average.

The price of lagana, the traditional Clean Monday bread, increased by a modest 3%, now ranging between €0.99 and €1.49. However, the price of village-style olive bread rose significantly by 14%, reaching €2.08.

The Price Observatory compiled its findings from retail prices recorded on Thursday, February 27, covering 68 sales points, including large and small supermarkets and greengrocers across all districts.