Τhe government announced Monday a new online platform which allows consumers to better understand prices, trends, and inflation in everyday items. This platform is the next iteration of the previous e-katanalotis platform, aiming to give a clearer and more detailed outlook on the prices of basic goods.

This new platform will allow consumers to compare Greek prices with prices internationally, as well as show more detailed information about price alterations and the general price trends on the market. The aim is to give consumers a transparent image of the situation and to inform them of fluctuations.

This comes amidst rising prices in many items. In January, price increases were reported in 250 products. The most affected have been dairy products (especially goat’s milk), cold meats, soft drinks, energy drinks, tea, coffee, and bottled water.

Rising prices across many products are affecting the Greek consumer.

The president of the Union of Working Consumers of Greece (ΕΕΚΕ) noted that research by the Institute of Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA) showed that, comparatively to other European Union countries, Greece has the cheapest groceries on average. However, he also pointed out that Greek consumers often have less purchasing power for similar quantities.

He also emphasized a problem regarding inverse relationships between quantity and price changes. For example, a product may be reduced in quantity but the price continues to rise. Other products may increase in quantity but disproportionately increase in price.

A “bittersweet” example of this trend is the disparity between price and quantity increases in croissants. Packages now contain four croissants from the earlier three, but brought along with it a whopping 60% increase in price as a result.