The Ministry of Commerce has pushed back the launch of its e-kalathi price comparison tool to late February, about two months later than initially planned, as technical testing continues.
The digital platform, originally scheduled for release before Christmas 2024, is currently undergoing final tests with supermarket chains to ensure product images and prices are clearly displayed to consumers.
A pilot phase will begin in early February, involving supermarkets and test users to provide feedback on the tool’s functionality. The ministry plans to issue the necessary decree for the official launch once testing is complete.
The platform will initially track prices of 480 products across 20-22 supermarkets with annual turnover exceeding 5 million euros. All listed products must share identical barcodes to ensure accurate price comparisons.
While an Android version of the mobile application will be available at launch, the iOS version may face slight delays due to Apple’s app store requirements.
The initiative aims to help consumers identify the best prices for their shopping needs and foster increased competition among supermarkets, potentially leading to lower prices for essential goods, according to ministry officials.
Participating supermarkets will be required to update their prices daily on the platform, which will gradually expand its product range after the initial launch.
