Disruptions in shipments to the Russian Federation pushed up auto parts prices
Delivery difficulties to the Russian market have created a pronounced shortage of bumpers, glass, and headlights. In some cases, prices jumped as much as six times the official recommendations, a margin that has affected the overall cost of repairs and maintenance.
Beyond basic parts, the supply of electronics used in vehicles has also become strained. Allowing parallel imports of spare parts has not yet alleviated the shortage, leaving garages and drivers to cope with the gaps.
Repair parts that are commonly replaced have seen price increases. In April, compared with February data from Tinkoff Insurance, the cost of body repair components rose by an average of 31 percent. Among the most affected items, bumpers from both ends of the vehicle saw the sharpest hikes, up 34 percent for the front bumper and 32 percent for the rear bumper. Headlights and fenders rose around 31 percent, while front doors increased about 30 percent. Hoods, rear doors, and radiator grilles each added roughly 29 percent, with overall price growth across related parts reaching about 32 percent. Glass, while still higher, increased by 26 percent, marking the smallest uptick among the listed categories.
Brand-specific shifts were equally uneven. For instance, Ford experienced an 83 percent rise in certain parts, with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Subaru each posting increases over 40 percent. In contrast, some components for Hyundai rose about 15 percent, Toyota around 20 percent, Lexus 21 percent, Kia 24 percent, and Nissan 25 percent. When a frequently demanded position becomes scarce, the market responds with a multifold price surge—sometimes up to six times the baseline.
Market analysts warn that warehouse stocks are dwindling, potentially covering only two to four months of activity. Non-original body parts remain available for used vehicles, but the difficulty lies mainly with newer and rarer models. Electronic components also pose ongoing challenges for the sector.
A visual note: Depositphotos
[Citation: Kommersant data cited by Tinkoff Insurance corroborates these price dynamics and the pace at which inventory is being drawn down.]