The e-kalathi initiative has failed to grow or contain prices, according to the consumers association, which reported a decline in the number of products available.
- The e-kalathi initiative has failed to grow or contain prices, according to the consumers association, which reported a decline in the number of products available.
Initially projected to reach 1,000 products by the first half of 2026, the e-kalathi now lists just 476 items, a drop from 478, highlighting a significant setback for the programme aimed at supporting consumers.
In stark contrast to measures taken in Greece, where price reductions of up to 6 per cent have been achieved across various product categories, consumers in Cyprus have not seen similar efforts. The association pointed out that no new products have been added to the e-kalathi, and prices have instead risen across the board.
From March to May 2026, significant price increases were recorded: pasta surged by 13.8 per cent, flour rose by 5.71 per cent, and pulses increased by 4.9 per cent. Such hikes have left consumers feeling frustrated and unsupported.
The consumers association expressed grave concerns about consumer protection policies in Cyprus. They stated, “The policy for the protection of consumers in Cyprus is suffering seriously, not from a lack of legislative regulations, but from a lack of decisiveness to effectively implement the laws.” This sentiment reflects a growing discontent among consumers who feel that the current system is failing to provide the intended protections.
The situation underscores the urgent need for action to ensure that consumer interests are adequately represented and that effective measures are enacted to stabilise prices and expand product offerings in the e-kalathi programme.
