Demand for automotive parts in Russia’s online market has surged significantly, with a year-over-year increase reported at 23-fold by Wildberries, a platform associated with RIA Novosti in recent coverage.
Demand growth
In September, the appetite for spare parts jumped nearly twenty-three times. Analysts suggest the move reflects a broader shift toward maintaining and repairing existing vehicles rather than purchasing new ones in current conditions.
Shoppers showed particular interest in oil, air, fuel, and cabin filters, spark plugs, automotive fuses, high voltage cables, brake pads, brake discs, stabilizer bars, and hub bearings. Pads and other components from suppliers in South Korea, Japan, and China are especially popular.
During September, searches commonly targeted spare parts for Lada across its range, Renault Logan and Duster, Hyundai Solaris, and Kia Rio.
shortages
Alongside demand, prices also rose by 35–65 percent depending on the brand since January, with the most sought-after items sometimes more than doubling in price.
Among frequently requested brands were Ford, Subaru, Suzuki, Renault, Audi, Mazda, and Volvo. For instance, engine oil for Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris increased by around 40 percent, while front and rear engine blocks rose by about 65 percent.
There are notable supply challenges for premium brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Lexus, GM, and Porsche. Body parts, windscreens, and complex components such as gearboxes, engines, and differentials have seen price hikes. In some cases, body components for these vehicles have risen by fifty percent, and windscreens have reached very high prices, prompting service centers to advise alternative options (industry sources).
Meanwhile, the budget segment experiences shortages in consumables, with oil and fuel filters among the most scarce items required for routine maintenance.
Originals and alternatives
Original parts are scarce on the market—roughly 8–9 percent—and the rest are analogs. Some service centers report that certain non-original parts can exceed original parts in quality, yet counterfeit items are increasingly found on store shelves. While parallel imports offered some hope, sanctions risk complicates obtaining products with a unique VIN. This includes electronic components and engine blocks, which are more tightly controlled.
There is a rising trend in the market for second-hand original spare parts. In many cases this option represents a viable path when confronted with severe failures.
In summary, market participants expect prices to rise by an additional around 15 percent by year-end, and maintenance costs are set to climb. The common sentiment on social media reflects the caution many car owners are now adopting: decisions about what to buy and what to drive are being weighed more carefully than ever.
Note: Visual reference is provided for illustrative purposes by Depositphotos.