The e-kalathi online tool, launched in June, has shown limited impact on supermarket prices, according to the Cyprus Consumers Association. The tool was designed to assist consumers in comparing prices and selecting the most affordable supermarkets, while also fostering healthy competition in the market.
However, recent findings suggest that the tool has not met its intended goals. The association reported a steady decline in the price difference between the most expensive and cheapest supermarkets for 200 common products. In July, the price gap was 13 per cent, which reduced to 5.8 per cent by November.
This shift appears to be influenced more by increasing prices at the lower-end supermarkets than by decreases at their pricier counterparts. The association’s analysis highlights that, rather than creating a competitive pricing environment, the e-kalathi tool may be inadvertently contributing to a narrowing of price differences.
Moreover, the November 2025 price monitoring report unveiled additional concerns. Major supermarket chains with outlets across Cyprus have been found to list very few products on e-kalathi, which limits the options available to consumers. This lack of representation may hinder the tool’s effectiveness in guiding shoppers towards the best deals.
Price variations have also emerged within the same supermarket chains, a notable change from earlier months. Certain product categories, such as personal care items, have seen average price increases of 2.5 per cent. Conversely, ‘other bakery products’ recorded the most significant average decrease at 3.5 per cent.
The findings present a complex picture of the current supermarket pricing landscape in Cyprus. As consumers continue to seek out the best prices, the e-kalathi tool’s ability to deliver on its promises remains in question.
