The crisis in the Middle East is leaving its mark on the Cypriot market, pushing food prices higher. Data from the Consumer Price Observatory for May, released by the Consumer Protection Service, provide a detailed picture of the continued increases recorded over the past two months following the outbreak of war in the region.
The figures show that families with infants are being forced to spend more on food.
On a monthly basis, compared with April, the largest increases were recorded in cold meats (+6.4%), breaded and pre-cooked frozen fish (+6.3%), frozen molluscs and shellfish (+6.1%), olive oil (+5.8%), canned meat (+5.4%), Cypriot coffee (+5.1%), infant foods (+5.1%), eggs (+5%), flour (+4.9%), laundry detergents (+4.4%), frozen pasta (+4.1%), soft drinks (+3.8%), toilet paper (+3.6%) and yoghurt (+3.4%).
Price decreases in May were recorded in fresh vegetables and greens (-24.3%), fresh fish and seafood (-6.8%), fresh meat (-1.6%), frozen fish (-1.3%) and sugar (-1.1%).
On an annual basis, which provides a clearer picture of trends, infant foods stand out as the category with the highest price increases, with the relevant index rising by approximately 11%. Combined with the steady rise in infant milk prices (by around 7–8%), families with young children are bearing an additional financial burden compared to other households.
Coffee follows as the next category with significant increases. Instant coffee has risen by around 15%, while Cypriot coffee has also increased, with changes close to 6%.
Frozen fish and refrigerated or frozen burgers and processed meat products are also placing pressure on household budgets, with annual increases of around 7–8%. These products often serve as a quick and convenient solution for working households, making them particularly important in the real cost of living for the average family.
Other basic items are moving in the same direction. Cold meats have risen by about 9%, while eggs have increased by around 8%, adding to the cost of everyday meals. Soft drinks have recorded increases of roughly 6%.
Products showing resilience
Against this wave of increases, part of the traditional food basket is showing notable resilience. Pulses, sugar, canned fish, tomato juice and bread have recorded almost zero annual changes, with May 2026 prices remaining close to levels seen a year earlier. These categories act as a counterbalance, allowing, at least to some extent, substitution of more expensive items with more affordable options.
Prices have also fallen for some fresh products, with fresh meat, poultry and rabbit recording annual decreases of around 7–8%, and breaded frozen fish declining by more than 10–15%. A notable drop has also been recorded in vegetable fats, where the index fell by about 6%.
The Consumer Protection Service clarifies that price observatories are prepared solely for consumer information and do not constitute advice. They are not intended to replace individual market research by consumers based on their own preferences, data and needs, nor to indicate specific points of sale or products.
Consumers are also encouraged to use the e-kalathi platform and its mobile application to make more informed and cost-effective purchasing decisions.
