Essential goods more expensive in north

Turkish Cypriots are enduring one of their worst financial crises in recent years, with inflation officially hitting 83.94% in March, turning essential goods into luxury items that carry a price tag much higher than Greek Cypriot supermarkets.

According to Turkish Cypriot daily YeniDuzen, some essential products are much cheaper in the Republic, such as coffee, toothpaste, and shaving razors (Gillette), where they are sold at supermarkets for half the price.

Nescafe (190gm) is sold at a shocking EUR 13 compared to around EUR 4 in the Republic, while toothpaste is at least 30 cents more expensive in supermarkets in the occupied areas.

A set of Gillette razor blades sells for almost EUR 6 in the Turkish-held north and EUR 2.60 in the Republic of Cyprus.

Flour and bulgur wheat also carry a slightly higher price tag in the north.

According to YeniDuzen, olive oil is one of the essential items that has become a luxury for Turkish Cypriots as a litre of olive oil is sold for EUR 5 the same quality olive oil can be bought for less than EUR 3 across the divide. There was no big difference in the prices of cucumber, onion, broccoli, imported mushrooms and Brussel sprouts.

Turkish Cypriot alcohol prices have been on the rise due to the decision of the ruling coalition to impose a special levy on alcoholic beverages. As a result, a 70cc bottle of Johnny Walker red label whiskey now carries a price tag of around EUR 16.50 in the north, while in Greek Cypriot supermarkets, the same bottle can be bought for EUR 13.

The net minimum wage in the north is 6,090 TL (EUR 378). The minimum wage in the Republic for specific jobs is EUR 870, but employees’ average gross monthly earnings are EUR 2,341.