The Cyprus Consumers Association (CCA) has released the results of a comprehensive price‑monitoring study on the e‑Kalathi online marketplace. Contrary to popular belief, the association found no evidence of a "sharp competition" among the majority of hypermarkets operating on the platform.
Methodology and Scope
On 12 September 2026, the CCA examined every product listed across all participating hypermarkets in the e‑Kalathi system. The analysis compared the maximum, minimum and average prices recorded for each item, using data sourced from the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry’s e‑Kalathi portal and the free private app Smart Kalathi.
Key Findings
- High price divergence: 55 products (11.6 % of the sample) displayed a price spread between the highest and lowest offers ranging from 100 % to 207 %.
- Moderate divergence: 135 products (28.4 %) showed a 50 %–99 % gap.
- Lower‑level divergence: 129 products (27.1 %) fell within a 30 %–49 % spread.
- Overall impact: In total, 329 items (69.1 %) exhibited price differences exceeding 30 % between the top and bottom listings.
- Average‑price variation: 81 products (17 %) had a gap of 50 %–130 % between the maximum price and the average price across all hypermarkets.
Market Concentration Insights
The study also highlighted product concentration patterns. Six items were offered by only one to five stores, four items appeared in 11–20 stores, and five items were listed by 36–40 stores. For locally produced Cypriot goods, the price spread was generally narrower, indicating a more uniform pricing approach.
Data Accuracy Concerns
The CCA identified several pricing entry errors within the e‑Kalathi database, prompting a call for a thorough review of the listed items. The association argues that a product sold by a single outlet of a hypermarket cannot be classified as a “mass‑consumption” good.
Consumer Recommendations
Consumers are urged to avoid purchasing items where significant price hikes have been detected, as a form of market‑based pressure to curb further increases. The CCA emphasizes that such consumer vigilance is a vital tool for stabilising retail prices.
Future Monitoring
The Cyprus Consumers Association commits to ongoing surveillance of price developments on e‑Kalathi, promising regular public disclosures of its observations and conclusions.