Consumers gearing up for New Year's celebrations are unlikely to find significant relief from the ongoing festive season expenses. Prices for essential New Year's feast items have remained largely static since the Christmas period concluded. The Cyprus Consumers Association has reported that, aside from a marginal decrease in the cost of a few select vegetables, the overall price point for celebratory meals has held firm.
Marios Drousiotis, President of the Cyprus Consumers Association, indicated that the observed price fluctuations have been practically insignificant. "We have witnessed only slight reductions in the cost of items such as tomatoes and cucumbers," Mr. Drousiotis stated, adding that these minor adjustments have not resulted in any substantial decrease in the total expenditure for a festive meal. This stagnant pricing landscape is a cause for concern, particularly given the recent increase in the cost of traditional holiday spreads.
A recent survey conducted by the association in Nicosia analysed prices at four major supermarket chains nationwide. It revealed that the cost of a typical Christmas table had escalated by approximately nine percent compared to the previous year. Crucially, these supermarkets apply uniform pricing policies across the island, suggesting these findings represent a national trend. The survey meticulously itemised expenses for three distinct types of festive tables. For a family of four, a 'rich table' was estimated to cost around €160, while a 'basic table' would cost approximately €33.
In light of these persistent high costs, the Cyprus Consumers Association has formally requested a comprehensive report from the Consumer Protection Service. This report will assess the efficacy of the e-Kalathi application. Launched earlier this year, the app was intended to empower consumers by providing a platform to compare prices across various retailers. However, after six months of operation, the association has concluded that the e-Kalathi app has not delivered on its initial promises. The perceived ineffectiveness of this digital tool is seen as a missed opportunity to alleviate financial pressure on households during periods of heightened spending. The association's appeal underscores a growing sentiment that more robust measures are needed to ensure fair pricing and greater consumer affordability.