Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the LDPR, asked the Federal Antimonopoly Service to verify the sharp rise in ice cream prices. The party’s press team shared the request with socialbites.ca, noting that the letter was directed to the head of the agency, Maxim Shaskolsky.
The objection stems from a wave of complaints from Russians about price hikes. Citizens report price increases as summer approaches, with some ice cream varieties up about 25 percent before the season even began. Slutsky argues that such abrupt jumps strain family budgets and create unnecessary financial pressure for households.
In his request, Slutsky asks the service to initiate an audit to determine whether anti-monopoly laws are being observed amid the rising ice cream prices.
As the hottest months approach, demand for cold treats has climbed. Reports indicate that the average price of ice cream from dining options rose from 58 to 70 rubles, while typical spending per visit stayed around 210 rubles compared with the previous year.
2023 marked a record year for ice cream production in the country, with output increasing by about 13 percent to reach roughly 524 thousand tons. Leading brands and producers in the sector included well-known names such as Icebury, Renna, Unilever, Slavitsa, Russian Cold, and Clean Line. Simultaneously, dairy consumption rose, with per capita intake reaching approximately 250 kilograms for the year, a high point in the past three decades.
Experts have weighed in on price trends. A former academic and lecturer in economics suggested that ice cream prices are likely to continue rising, pointing to factors that influence supply and demand in the sector. The discussion reflects broader concerns about household affordability and the affordability of everyday staples during peak seasons.
Market observers note that the dynamics of production, distribution, and retail pricing all interact to shape the final consumer cost. Public sentiment remains attuned to how producers balance cost pressures with consumer access, especially as families plan summer budgets and impulse purchases. Inquiries and commentaries from industry insiders emphasize the importance of transparent pricing practices and robust competition as antidotes to abrupt price swings. [citation: LDPR press service]