Melon Prices Soar in April in Northern Cyprus, While Cucumbers and Strawberries Get Cheaper

The TRNC Statistical Institute has released its latest inflation report. In April, the monthly inflation rate reached 4.06%. Total price growth for the first four months of the year hit 13.08%, and the annual inflation rate rose to 40.96%.

The sharpest rise in consumer spending compared to the previous month was seen in the "restaurants and hotels" category, which jumped by 9.51%. Other significant increases were recorded in:

• Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels – up 5.70%

• Furniture, household appliances, and home maintenance services – up 4.40%

• Recreation and culture – up 3.86%

• Healthcare – up 3.54%

Compared to March, prices rose for 455 products, while 71 items became cheaper.

According to the Consumer Price Index, the biggest price hike in April was for melons, which increased by 60.25%. Lottery ticket prices also rose significantly:

• National Lottery tickets – up 60%

• TRNC State Lottery tickets – up 50%

Meanwhile, cucumbers saw the largest price drop, falling by 67.26%, followed by strawberries, which were down 40.21%.