THE RESULTS of a Cyprus Consumers Association (CCA) survey yesterday confirmed what everyone’s been thinking, that average prices have gone up since last year.
CCA President, Petros Markou said after checking 13,500 prices of “sensitive” products and services between July 2007 and May 2008, average prices had increased by 7.8 per cent, with the biggest monthly increase recorded between April and May.
And a total of 35 per cent of products checked recorded a price increase of 10 per cent and over. Wheat products were the biggest target, with eight out of 10 shops increasing the price of bread by 21 per cent on average. Most shops also sold buns, bread slices, pitta, and cheese and olive pies at higher prices, showing price increases of between 14 and 17 per cent.
Under one third of products and services saw price increases of below 10 per cent, while only 21 per cent did not change in price at all, half the figure recorded in January. One sixth of products and services checked saw a reduction in price.
Other products and services that saw price increases above the 7.8 per cent average included roasted chicken, milk, whisky, visits to pathologists and paediatricians, cinema tickets and trousers for men.
From the survey, only cigarettes did not change price, while magazines and bottled water saw a tiny drop in prices.
The CCA head also highlighted that a number of businesses had stopped dual pricing in pound and euro, noting that parliament had extended the legal requirement to do so until the end of the year.
Markou called on consumers to take advantage of the list prepared by the CCA, to see who was raising prices and why, who was lowering prices and who kept prices the same. The list can be found at www.cyprusconsumerse.org.cy
“From then on, it’s up to consumers to use their judgement on how much they want to reward or support those who respect them or whether they want to continue as they feel,” he said.
He cited the example of the parking attendants, many of whom dropped their prices after the CCA kicked up a fuss about unjustified price hikes. Raising awareness helps to put pressure on profiteers, he noted.
The Association asked 2,101 businesses to explain why they had considerably increased prices beyond the average. The reasons given can be found on the CCA website.
One mini market owner in Limassol said he increased the price of a six pack of water from €4.27 to €5 to make giving change easier. A hairdresser said the above average increase was as a result of rising fuel prices. One grocer blamed price hikes on the drought, while many pointed the finger at suppliers.
Markou called on retailers to change their suppliers in such cases. “There are no longer monopolies on distribution in Cyprus,” he said.
Many doctors and dentists were also on the list of above average price increases, with prices for the same service ranging from €20 to €60. When asked to justify the increases, most doctors and dentists said these were the recommended prices from the medical council and insurance companies.
One doctor said he only charged €40 to those with insurance, otherwise the normal price was €25.
Finally, Markou called on the Competition Committee to hasten its investigation into milk and fuel prices.
“It’s sad that there are still 185-190 cases pending at the Competition Committee,” he said.
He said the Committee should concentrate on the most urgent cases of milk and fuel. “The minister and deputies have said there is a problem in the fuel market. It’s not by accident that deputies are talking about a cartel.”
Markou questioned how fuel companies could claim costs as a reason for price hikes. “All companies can’t have the same costs, some were set up yesterday, others have been here for 30 years.”
The CCA also reported doctors and dentists to the Competition Committee last November for what they saw as unjustifiable price increases.
“When we called them to explain their price hikes, some swore at us and asked ‘who are you to ask’. Well, we are the consumers’ association. This behaviour does not befit them,” said Markou.
