Industry analysts note a pronounced uptick in Russians’ spending on auto products, based on data from the analytical center Control Index, which operates within the OFD Platform ecosystem. The figures show a 41 percent rise over the latest twelve months, a sign that more households are prioritizing the maintenance and upgrading of their vehicles. The trend suggests a shift in consumer behavior toward stocking up on essentials, scheduling routine repairs, and planning ahead in a market marked by price shifts and supply fluctuations. As families navigate rising living costs and variable freight conditions, the emphasis on keeping cars reliable has become a hallmark of household budgeting. The data points to a broad mix of purchases, from everyday consumables to more durable components, reflecting a robust demand that retailers and manufacturers are watching closely. Retailers report longer shopping baskets and more frequent purchases of items tied to upkeep, maintenance, and accessory upgrades, underscoring how consumers are adapting to evolving price levels and availability. (Control Index, OFD Platform)
Car enthusiasts typically buy spare parts, lubricants, automotive chemicals and a wide range of accessories. In autumn, the average purchase value rose by 41 percent, reaching about 7 400 rubles, while the total number of transactions for vehicle upkeep grew only modestly, signaling that buyers are spending more per item even as overall purchase frequency remains stable. This pattern highlights a consumer shift toward investing in essential components and maintenance supplies, as opposed to purchasing frequently but in smaller amounts. The rise in average tickets points to a combination of price increases, the selection of higher-value items, and a growing preference for stocking up before seasonal demand spikes. (Control Index, OFD Platform)
From January through August, Russians spent around 6 000 rubles per car-related purchase, a level about 30 percent higher than the same period last year. This indicates a sustained rise in per-order spend across the year, reflecting a mix of longer repair cycles, price pressures, and cautious purchasing behavior driven by ongoing market uncertainty. Consumers appear to be balancing the need to keep vehicles on the road with tighter budgets, opting for components and consumables that extend the life of their cars while avoiding large one-off investments. Retailers note that baskets are larger and selections more diverse, as buyers combine routine replacements with planned upgrades. (Control Index, OFD Platform)
Experts point to tighter logistics, fluctuating import supplies, and price factors driven by strong demand and constrained availability. For example, costs for official Chinese spare parts rose during the summer and autumn months, and consumables for European-brand vehicles also saw sharp increases. The combination of freight costs, currency movements, and supplier limitations has translated into higher retail prices and longer wait times for certain items, complicating procurement for service centers and do-it-yourself buyers alike. This environment pushes buyers toward trusted suppliers and reinforces the value of verifying product authenticity before purchase. (Industry analysis)
Market trackers indicate that prices for auto parts in Russia have climbed by about a quarter since the start of 2024, underscoring ongoing inflationary pressures in the sector. The rise is tied to persistent supply bottlenecks, currency fluctuations, and tighter import channels that affect both wholesale and retail pricing. Practically, shops must manage tighter margins while customers adjust their buying strategies, often spreading purchases over several trips rather than one large checkout. The overall effect is a market where visibility, planning, and price awareness play increasing roles in daily purchasing decisions. (Market data, industry observers)
There have also been cases of non-existent auto parts and equipment entering the market, leading to substantial losses for buyers. Reports indicate that fraudulent or nonexistent items were linked to almost 14 million rubles in sales, highlighting ongoing concerns about product authenticity and the importance of verification within supply chains. This situation underscores the need for consumer vigilance and robust supplier verification to protect buyers, retailers, and the broader automotive ecosystem from failed transactions and misleading listings. (Market surveillance)