Cyprus has officially launched the e-Kalathi platform, an electronic price comparison tool for essential goods, now in its pilot phase. The platform allows consumers to compare prices across 478 basic consumer products in different categories. Initially, 22 supermarkets are participating in the program.

Speaking on the "Proino Dromologio" radio program, Minister of Commerce Giorgos Papastasiou announced that e-Kalathi will begin full operation on March 4.

While e-Kalathi alone cannot fully address the issue of high prices, Papastasiou emphasized that it will empower consumers to make smarter and more cost-effective purchasing decisions.

He noted that the platform is expected to increase competition among retailers, which could, over time, drive product prices down and improve market efficiency.