Recent statistics from Rosstat show shifts in consumer prices for October 2023. The price of salmon caviar declined by about 2.5 percent on average, within the consumer price index framework for October 2023. This drop reflects changes in seafood markets and fluctuations in supply chains that influence premium grocery categories.
Other staples followed a different trajectory. Boiled beef and pork products, along with prepared meats such as sausages and minced meats, as well as everyday items like bread and milk intended for children, saw price increases in the range of roughly 1.5 to 1.8 percent. Additional items in cafés, snack bars, and canteens also contributed to the modest rise in overall food costs, signaling a mixed pattern in food inflation driven by wholesale inputs and seasonal demand.
Not all categories moved upward. Certain items registered price declines, with root vegetables showing significant softening in regional markets. Potatoes, white cabbage, and carrots experienced notable price reductions, sometimes ranging from 10 to 20 percent depending on the region and local supply conditions. These decreases highlight the uneven nature of inflation across different food groups and areas within the country.
Other consumer goods registered modest easing as well. Canned meats and fruits, along with baby food items like certain berries, noodles, cocoa, and granulated sugar, fell by about 1 percent. While not dramatic, these small declines contribute to a broader picture of cooling momentum in some non-perishable food categories.
In November, it was reported that annual inflation in Russia accelerated in October, rising to 6.69 percent from 6.0 percent in September. The shift indicates that price growth remained persistent across the year, with inflationary pressures continuing to influence household budgets and consumer purchasing decisions. Analysts noted that energy costs, transport, and certain agricultural inputs continued to feed into the annual rate, even as some food items exhibited price relief in limited segments.
Looking ahead, expectations about year-end prices included potential declines in alcohol prices for the upcoming New Year period. Market watchers anticipated adjustments in excise duties and wholesale pricing that could contribute to lower consumer costs in the alcohol category, though the exact impact would depend on policy decisions and seasonal market dynamics. The overall inflation landscape remained nuanced, with pockets of relief in groceries alongside steadier increases in non-food segments and services influenced by wage trends and domestic demand.
In summary, October 2023 presented a mixed inflation picture: selective price drops in staples like potatoes and cabbage contrasted with modest rises in meats, dairy for children, and dining-related items. The broader trend pointed to continued inflationary pressures, underscoring the importance for households to monitor regional price movements and seasonal changes as the year concluded. Market participants and policymakers continued to assess the balance between supply chain factors, currency effects, and consumer demand that shape the pace of price changes across the economy.