In Cyprus, high food and energy costs are forcing people to switch from doing their grocery shopping in malls and supermarkets to the less expensive traditional food markets.

Inflation in the southern European island is near double digits and prices of food staples have increased by almost 20 percent in the last year alone. Hence the rising cost of living has been high on the agenda ahead of Sunday's presidential elections.

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Farmers' markets in Cyprus are becoming more and more popular, with several opening up across the island. Many who are struggling to make ends meet have come to rely on these. 

"I've been here for years, and I've seen changes, especially in the last year. People don't come here to buy any more as they used to, their [shopping] habits have changed," street market vendor Solon Ioannou tells CGTN. 

"They used to come to shop for the whole week, now they go day by day," Ioannou explains why it is becoming increasingly difficult to earn a living through his market stall.

Ioannou's son also works at the market, but with fewer people shopping there, he worries they may soon have to look for work elsewhere.

"It's very sad to see fewer and fewer people every day at the market. I know it's hard for people to come out and shop, I try to keep my prices affordable, but if things continue to go up, I don’t think I can keep this food business running," said Ioannou.

Like Ioannou many Cypriots are worried about not being able to afford basic necessities.

Cypriots turning to charities

A study by a Cypriot consumer association says more and more people are turning to charities for basic food items. The prices increases have been going on a monthly basis up over the past year.  

Fish, rice, potatoes, fruits, and even tomatoes, a staple for Cypriot cuisine have almost doubled in price since last year. Inflation is changing everything about how Cypriots do their grocery shopping, from what stores they visit to how much they buy.

Many choose farmers' markets for cheaper prices, buying direct from the source. But as prices are expected to increase, analysts say even farmer markets would become less affordable.

"Unfortunately, we see many fellow Cypriots not being able to provide for their families and they rely on charities," says Marios Droussiotis, Head of Cypriot consumer association. "And we see that increasing as prices will increase further. At least for the next year, things will get even harder. Habits have changed and will change even more."

To tackle the increase in prices, the government has announced price caps on some basic food products in the coming months. For those on fixed incomes, or on welfare checks as well as pensioners, that cap could mean a little more money in their wallet.