Market Price Review in Kyrenia: Cherries Have Become Cheaper, but Food Remains Expensive

At the market held on Wednesdays in Kyrenia, shoppers noted a drop in the price of cherries, although fruit and vegetable prices remain high overall. Cherries, which had long been selling for 600 lira per kilogram, have fallen in price to 200 lira. After the price dropped, demand for the fruit increased.

Residents who came to shop said that some goods had become more affordable, but most fruit and vegetables remain expensive. Shoppers note that they are forced to buy food according to their budget and purchase smaller quantities. Tuğba Coşkun said that prices at the market were at an acceptable level, although some products remained too expensive. «The most expensive product this week is okra, so I am not buying it. After the minimum wage increase, fruit and vegetable prices also went up. We have to buy the products we want in small quantities,» she said.

Other market visitors also complained about high prices and said that stronger oversight was needed. «In Cyprus, everyone sets prices as they wish. Prices need to be checked,» one shopper said. Residents stressed that, because of the high cost of food, they have to choose only the essentials, while buying some products in smaller quantities.

Shoppers welcomed the drop in cherry prices, but believe that further price reductions and stronger oversight of food costs are needed to improve the situation.