**NICOSIA** – As Cyprus gears up for Clean Monday, a survey by the Consumer Protection Service has revealed a complex pricing landscape for traditional Lenten fare. While some essential items have seen considerable price inflation compared to last year, others have become surprisingly more affordable, and significant disparities between retailers underscore the importance of diligent shoppers exploring a variety of outlets.
The survey, conducted across 67 commercial establishments throughout the island on February 19th, paints a picture of both escalating costs and potential savings. Consumers bracing for a uniform increase in their Clean Monday shopping baskets may find solace in the downward trajectory of certain produce and seafood. However, the data also points towards a discernible uptick in the cost of several key ingredients, potentially impacting household budgets as the fasting period commences.
Among the most pronounced price surges, celery root has emerged as a significant outlier, registering a substantial 52.84% increase. The average cost per kilogram now stands at €2.32, a marked jump from last year's €1.52. Similarly, small fresh octopus has seen its price climb by 25.05% to €17.99 per kilogram. The popular aubergine dip, a staple for many, has also become more expensive, with a 27.24% rise pushing its average price to €4.35. Lagana flatbread, an indispensable component of the Clean Monday table, experienced an 18.29% increase, now averaging €1.44. Tahini and small fresh cuttlefish have also contributed to the upward trend, with increments of 8.88% and 7.20% respectively.
Conversely, the survey highlights encouraging price reductions for a number of items. Tomatoes, a perennial favourite, have seen a dramatic decrease of 46.74%, now retailing at an average of €1.69 per kilogram, a significant drop from last year's €3.81. Kohlrabi has also become more accessible, with a 27.42% price fall. Greenhouse cucumbers are down 21.70%, and beetroot prices have receded by 18.09%. In the realm of seafood, consumers can rejoice as prawns are now 25.94% cheaper, and whole cleaned squid has experienced a 14.21% reduction in cost. Prices for halloumi, a cheese that often commands attention, remained relatively stable, with most 400-gram packages falling within the €4 to €6 range.
Beyond individual product fluctuations, the survey underscored a pervasive issue of price variation between different retailers. The disparity for large fresh octopus was particularly stark, with prices ranging from a more economical €12.50 to an exorbitant €25.99 per kilogram. Similar significant gaps were observed for fresh large squid, with costs varying from €11.95 to €20 per kilogram. The cost of Aleppo-style halva exhibited an even wider spectrum, from €4.45 to €16.99 per kilogram, while lagana prices fluctuated between €0.99 and €2.15. These discrepancies suggest that proactive price comparison could yield substantial savings for consumers.
These findings are contextualised by broader grocery trends observed in January. Data indicated that 35 out of 45 surveyed basic product categories experienced price increases when compared to December. Frozen shellfish, in particular, saw a dramatic surge of 31.5% within a single month, while fresh greens rose by 14% and flour by 9%. In contrast, sugar prices dropped by 13%, and frozen prepared meats saw an 11% decrease. Fresh meat prices, however, remained largely static. Furthermore, a comparison of supermarket baskets for 255 products revealed a considerable gap of €138.60, representing a 14.5% difference between the cheapest and most expensive options.
In essence, the Consumer Protection Service's report serves as a vital advisory for shoppers preparing for Clean Monday. While the rising costs of some traditional dishes are undeniable, the availability of more affordable alternatives and the significant price differentials across the market offer consumers the opportunity to mitigate expenses through informed purchasing decisions. The survey aims to empower individuals to navigate the market effectively, ensuring a more budget-conscious observance of the holiday.