Frozen molluscs and fresh meat recorded the steepest monthly price increases in April, up by 14.1 and 10.7 per cent respectively, even as inflation slowed to just 0.2 per cent, according to the latest price observatory by the Consumer Protection Service.

The data, published on Wednesday, shows that overall inflation eased significantly from 1.6 per cent in March and 1.9 per cent in February.

Still, the cost of several basic consumer goods continued to rise, with fresh meat and seafood among the top drivers.

Compared to April 2024, frozen molluscs and shellfish are now 16 per cent more expensive, while fresh meat has climbed 15.7 per cent year-on-year.

Other items that saw monthly increases include sugar, which rose by 3.4 per cent in April compared to March, though its price remains 15.1 per cent lower than the same month last year.

Frozen fish and legumes increased by 2.9 and 2.7 per cent respectively, yet frozen fish is down by 16.7 per cent and legumes by 1 per cent on an annual basis.

Fresh fish and shellfish prices rose by 2.7 per cent from March and are now up by 14.6 per cent year-on-year.

Furthermore, Cypriot coffee also remains high on the list, recording a 1 per cent monthly rise and a staggering 27.2 per cent increase compared to April 2024.

Meanwhile, several essential goods recorded price drops last month. Evaporated milk saw the sharpest decrease at 6.7 per cent, followed by eggs at 5.3 per cent.

Vegetable cooking fat fell by 4 per cent, flour by 2.9 per cent and rice by 2.5 per cent. Oil prices were also down by 2.1 per cent on a monthly basis and 7.9 per cent lower compared to the same period last year.

The observatory also noted continued upward price trends in baby food, LPG cylinders, fabric softeners, and both Cypriot and instant coffee.

In contrast, sugar, oil, and fresh vegetables have shown consistent declines in recent months.

The service clarified that the price observatories are compiled strictly for consumer information and do not constitute any form of shopping advice.

“These figures are not meant to replace individual market research or guide consumers towards specific points of sale,” the service stated.

It further emphasised that some of the products included may differ in quality, which the data cannot accurately reflect.

For this reason, consumers are encouraged to conduct thorough market comparisons before purchasing, taking into account the insights offered by the observatory.