Prices for grain and flour in Russia have climbed sharply in May, driven by adverse weather and harvest concerns. Market watchers note that this uptick is notably evident in the flour segment, with industry insiders pointing to a price rise of several rubles per kilogram. In a span of just two weeks, flour prices surged by around 30 percent compared with the start of the month, according to statements attributed to bakers and reported by RBC, referencing the National Bakers Union (NBU).
Industry voices contend that the market scenario painted by the National Agricultural Administration may overstate the volatility, arguing that the price increases are transient. The Russian Association of Flour and Grain Businesses has argued that market conditions are steadier than what some state bodies have suggested, and millers emphasize that the observed price moves are short-term fluctuations rather than a sustained trend.
Official assessments from the Ministry of Agriculture describe the current situation as stable. Data available from the ministry indicate a modest price movement, noting that since the end of 2023 the price of wheat flour has risen by just under three percent, a figure that many see as manageable in the broader food supply landscape.
In response to persistent price pressures, some manufacturers have explored alternatives to keep consumer costs in check. There have been shifts toward increased use of frozen semi-finished products, a strategy aimed at buffering production costs and stabilizing supply chains during periods of price volatility.
Public expectations ahead of recent developments included the promise of price reductions for socially important goods. While the outcome of these pledges remains under scrutiny, market participants continue to monitor whether policy measures will translate into tangible savings for households facing higher staple costs.