According to the Consumer Price Index compiled by the Consumer Association of the Republic of Cyprus, potatoes are the product with the highest monthly and annual growth in November.
In particular, the price of potatoes in November increased immediately by 30.61% compared to October, and by 57.21% compared to November 2023. The inflation index in November rose to 1.5% compared to October, which was 0.9%. Although there was a decrease of 2.26% in the food category compared to October 2024, when comparing the period January-November 2024 with the period January-November 2023, an increase of 2.96% was recorded.
Compared to October, in addition to potatoes, dried vegetables increased in price by 10.49% and household services for the elderly by 10.44% in November. During the same period, there was a significant decrease in sales of fresh vegetables, except potatoes and other bulbs, by 23.14%, and in hotels, motels and hotels — by 19.93%.
Compared to November 2023, November 2024 saw a significant increase in potato sales (57.21%), olive oil (47.47%) and passenger traffic (20.16%). A significant decrease was observed in sugar (23.21%), liquid fuels (15.03%) and garden furniture (11.94%).
Meanwhile, in the occupied territories of Cyprus, people are lining up to buy cheap potatoes from Turkey.
Potato prices in the northern part of the island reached 100 TL per kilogram (SS: today the exchange rate is 1 euro: 36.54 TL), as a result of which some restaurants stopped selling potatoes and removed them from their menus.
The local “government” announced a few days ago that it would bring potatoes from Turkey to solve the problem. The cargo arrived on December 5 and, according to local media, publishing relevant photos, at the points of sale of the Institute of Agricultural Products, where it is cheaper, citizens line up for potatoes at 26 Turkish lira per kilogram, including VAT. The corresponding price in supermarkets and grocery stores is 32 TL.
The press reports that based on the “November Consumer Price Index” published by the Institute of Statistics, inflation in the unrecognized TRNC was 51.63% compared to December last year and 59.88% compared to November last year.
The three goods whose prices increased the most in November were cucumbers — 106.56%, newspapers — 100% and tickets of the “state lottery” — 87.50%. The largest price decrease was observed for cilantro – 31.89% and ferry tickets – 31.53%.
The largest increase in the main groups of expenses compared to the previous month was 9.98% in the main group of clothing and footwear.
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products rose in price by 3.69%, food and non–alcoholic beverages – by 2.83%, miscellaneous goods and services – by 1.94%, furniture, household appliances and home maintenance services – by 1.80%, housing, water, electricity, natural gas and other fuels – by 1.66%, communications by 0.94%, healthcare — 0.48%, restaurants and hotels — 5.07%, transport — 0.41%, education — 0.12%. There were no changes in the main leisure and cultural group. Compared to the previous month, the average prices for 436 index items increased, while the average prices for 130 items decreased.
A source: reporter.com.cy
