Food, clothes and footwear prices up, fuel and electricity plunge

Food, clothing and footwear became more expensive in Cyprus during the coronavirus pandemic, while fuel and electricity prices dropped, statistics released on Thursday showed.

According to infographics prepared by the Statistical Service, one year after the appearance of the coronavirus, the categories of ‘Food’ (excluding fresh fruits and vegetables) and ‘Fast Food’ saw a slight increase in prices initially, later stabilising.

During the first period of March to May 2020, there occurred an increase of 1.19 per cent compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

In the period June to November 2020, a rise of 0.48 per cent was recorded, while in the period December 2020 to February 2021 there was a decrease of 0.47 per cent on an annual basis.

The prices of ‘Clothing and Footwear’ during the period March to May 2020 showed a decline of 2.95 per cent compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, when shops were closed and only online or phone orders could be placed.

During the period June to November 2020 an increase of 1.38 per cent was registered, and during the period December 2020 to February 2021 an increase of 1.36 per cent compared to the corresponding periods of 2019.

The ‘Air Tickets’ category saw a price drop during the first two periods, while in the third period prices increased.

Electricity prices showed a small increase of 1.48 per cent in the period March to May 2020, a decrease of 20.27 per cent in the period June to November 2020, and a drop of 13.67 per cent in the period December 2020 to February 2021.

Regarding fuel prices in the period March to May 2020, there was a decline of 13.05 per cent, in the period June to November 2020 a decrease of 11.53 per cent, and in the period December 2020 to February 2021 a decrease of 9.59 per cent.

As far as Internet Home Access went, the March – May 2020 period saw prices dip by 5.79 per cent, by 9.14 per cent in the period June to November 2020, and 11.35 per cent down in the period December 2020 to February 2021.