The State Duma has urged the Russian government to explore setting trade margins for essential goods at a range of 10 to 15 percent. This stance was reported by RIA News, highlighting a push to curb profitability on socially important items to protect consumer purchasing power.
The document outlines a proposal to regulate commercial margins for a list of socially significant products at a 10-15% level. The Duma previously floated similar ideas toward the end of last year, but later paused efforts to advance these measures. The initial list encompassed 24 essential items, including certain meats, fish, dairy products, eggs, prepared foods, cereals, and staples such as potatoes, cabbage, onions, carrots, and apples. This approach aimed to achieve steadier prices for everyday necessities and reduce volatility in the market for households.
In February this year, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that there was no necessity to regulate labeling or margins, noting concerns that the proposed steps might hinder economic dynamics. The ministry argued that such measures could crowd out investment, push up costs for processors and retailers, and potentially lead to tax reductions and shortages of goods if applied too aggressively. These cautions were shared in a formal letter from the department, reflecting a desire to balance consumer protection with market efficiency. [Citation: Ministry statement on margins and labeling, February report]
Previously, officials from the State Duma also considered a measure obliging retail chains to prioritize products manufactured in Russia when presenting options to customers, a policy framed as supporting domestic producers and supply chain resilience. The debate underscores a broader conversation about how price controls and labeling requirements affect competitiveness, consumer access, and the ability of local farms and factories to compete in a dynamic market. [Citation: Duma policy discussions on domestic sourcing and margins]