Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus Supermarket Association executive secretary Andreas Hadjiadamou said the Easter spread can proceed as planned, rejecting claims of shortages and sharp price hikes.
Price trends and market conditions
Hadjiadamou told the Cyprus News Agency that the only real increase in prices seen so far was for gas, which rose by €4.5 per cylinder, while other basic products did not see similar increases. He said the association would react to the gas prices.
He said that in every crisis there are exaggerations before facts are established, and dismissed claims that the market was out of control, that there were serious shortages, and that the price of lamb had risen to €20 per kilogram.
Supply plans and lamb pricing
Hadjiadamou said there would be enough products on the market and that, if needed, every supermarket has a plan B, including importing from abroad.
He said there has been no substantive increase in lamb prices compared with last year and added that as Holy Week approaches, prices typically drop due to intensifying offers. He said supermarkets would absorb part of the pressure by reducing their profit margin.
Isolated price increases and outlook
Hadjiadamou acknowledged isolated cases in which retailers increased prices and called on everyone to act responsibly. He also said supply had been tested but assured there would be no shortages.
He said the coming days are expected to show that recent concerns were greater than the actual market situation.
Have you noticed any price changes or shortages in your local supermarkets ahead of Easter?
