This Easter, consumers are feeling the pinch with prices soaring for essentials like olive oil, lamb, and traditional delicacies like ‘tsoureki’ and ‘flaounes’. However, there is some relief with reduced prices for eggs, cucumbers, and village flour, providing consumers with more affordable options amidst the rising costs.
How have soaring prices impacted Easter celebrations?
Easter celebrations are facing financial strain due to soaring prices. Olive oil has seen a 105.9% price increase, while lamb costs 10.67% more per kilo. Traditional Easter delicacies like ‘tsoureki’ and ‘flaounes’ also have higher prices. However, some relief comes with reduced prices for eggs, cucumbers, sunflower oil, and village flour. Chocolate egg prices vary, offering some choice to consumers.
Olive Oil Price Surge
This Easter, families will feel the squeeze as olive oil prices soar by an unprecedented 105.9 percent. A staple in many holiday recipes, the cost per litre has jumped from €7.31 to a staggering €15.05 since last year. This significant hike is a part of a broader trend of price increases for essential items typically enjoyed during the Easter season.
The Consumer Protection Service, keeping a vigilant eye on market fluctuations, has gathered data from across the island. Their findings come from a meticulous comparison of prices at dozens of outlets that offer fresh meat and pre-made Easter meals.
Meat and Delicacies: A Costly Affair
The centerpiece of many Easter tables, lamb, has also seen a notable rise in price. A whole local lamb is now fetching €11.79 per kilo, up by 10.67 percent. Lamb sold in pieces isn’t far behind, with a 9.57 percent increase, now costing €12.43 per kilo. These figures contrast sharply with last year’s prices of €11.34 per kilo for the same cuts.
Easter wouldn’t be the same without traditional delicacies like ‘tsoureki,’ a sweet bread that now costs €5.31 for 300 grams, up from €4.95—a 7.31 percent increase. ‘Flaounes’, another festive favorite, experienced a price bump with savoury variants at €13.16 and sweet at €13.03, from last year’s €12.76 and €12.81 respectively.
A Silver Lining: Price Decreases in Some Areas
Despite the overall upward trend, there’s a glimmer of hope for consumers with certain products. Cucumbers, sunflower oil, and notably, eggs have seen a drop in prices. A dozen eggs, essential for Easter festivities, are now more affordable at €2.89, in contrast to last year’s €3.18. Village flour has also become more wallet-friendly, decreasing by 6.83 percent to €1.33 from €1.42.
Chocolate Eggs: A Mix of Prices
The price of chocolate eggs, another Easter staple, shows a significant variation this year with prices ranging from €7.17 to €16.96. While there’s no direct comparison to last year’s pricing, the variability offers some choice to consumers facing otherwise steep price hikes in traditional goods.
It’s important to note that the Consumer Protection Service’s role extends to monitoring and reporting these changes. They clarify that their intention is not to advise consumers but to provide a clear picture of the market during this important season.
By keeping track of these trends, consumers can better navigate the economic landscape of their Easter celebrations. While certain items may require budget adjustments, the availability of more affordable options for some essentials provides a measure of relief. As families prepare for the festivities, these insights into current market conditions can help inform their holiday shopping choices.
How have soaring prices impacted Easter celebrations?
Easter celebrations are facing financial strain due to soaring prices. Olive oil has seen a 105.9% price increase, while lamb costs 10.67% more per kilo. Traditional Easter delicacies like ‘tsoureki’ and ‘flaounes’ also have higher prices. However, some relief comes with reduced prices for eggs, cucumbers, sunflower oil, and village flour. Chocolate egg prices vary, offering some choice to consumers.
Why is there a surge in olive oil prices?
Olive oil prices have soared by an unprecedented 105.9% this Easter. This increase is part of a broader trend of rising costs for essential items typically enjoyed during the holiday season. The price per litre has jumped significantly from last year, impacting consumers who incorporate olive oil into their traditional Easter recipes.
Are there any price decreases amidst the rising costs?
Despite the overall trend of increasing prices, there are some areas where prices have decreased. Cucumbers, sunflower oil, eggs, and village flour have all seen reductions in price. For example, a dozen eggs are now more affordable at €2.89, compared to last year’s price of €3.18. These reduced prices provide consumers with more budget-friendly options as they prepare for Easter celebrations.
What can consumers expect in terms of chocolate egg prices?
Chocolate egg prices vary this year, ranging from €7.17 to €16.96. While there is no direct comparison to last year’s pricing, the variability in chocolate egg prices offers consumers a range of options to choose from. This can be beneficial for those looking to balance their Easter shopping budget amidst the overall increase in prices for traditional Easter goods.
