Recent data suggest that food prices in Russia may rise by a significant margin in the near future, with estimates ranging from 10 to 20 percent. This outlook comes from sources cited by URA.RU, referring to Alexei Kanevsky, who chairs the economic committee of Moscow’s Opora Rossii branch. The projection reflects what Kanevsky describes as objective factors driving price growth across many items in the consumer basket.
Kanevsky, speaking on behalf of Opora Rossii, explained that the planned price increase would not be uniform across products. Instead, it would materialize in a two-stage pattern within the shopping cart, with some categories reaching roughly 10 percent and others closer to 20 percent in the near term.
Industry observers have singled out meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, butter, sugar and a range of other staple goods as likely candidates for higher prices. The concern is that even modest shifts in the price of these core foods could ripple through household budgets and alter consumer behavior.
Opora Rossii contends that government efforts to restrain price movements may backfire, fostering higher prices in the longer run. Experts argue that administrative interventions can trigger heightened demand and compress purchasing power, ultimately nudging prices higher. Kanevsky emphasized the risk in attempts to curb prices without effective results, noting that such actions could provoke rushed buying and a further loss of purchasing power.
Alexander Kalinin, head of Opora Rossii, added that some level of state oversight remains necessary for the most socially important food items. The list he cited includes beef, pork, milk, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, bread and other critical products. Kalinin also called attention to the market dynamics created by large producers with dominant positions, suggesting that some of these firms should operate under private state control to safeguard competition and affordability.
Looking ahead, experts anticipate a stabilization of the overall price environment as demand adjusts. They expect producers and retailers to either hold prices steady or pursue strategies that bring prices down, such as targeted marketing efforts aimed at maintaining consumer demand and ensuring a steady supply of essentials.
In related developments, restaurateurs in Russia reported higher costs for chicken and pork, signaling that price pressures are being felt across multiple sectors of the food system. There have even been discussions about allowing distribution of certain food items without charges in some contexts, a move that could influence the broader price landscape.