A recent analysis reveals that food prices in Russia are increasingly higher than in various EU countries, despite lower average earnings.
A report by the opposition portal 'WaΕΌne historie' indicates that in ten EU countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, and Spain, half or more of essential food items are either equally priced or cheaper than in Russia. The analysis utilized data from the Russian state statistical agency, Rosstat, and prices from the major retail chain in Russia, Piatieroczka. This study sheds light on the ongoing economic struggles faced by ordinary Russians as they grapple with rising food costs amidst stagnant wages.
The findings reveal that Russians are spending approximately one-third of their salaries on food, significantly impacting their disposable income and overall purchasing power. For instance, a liter of milk at German Lidl is reported to be half the price compared to Piatieroczka in Russia, where it costs 132 rubles (about 6.05 PLN). The discrepancies are even more pronounced in fruits and vegetables, with prices for items such as tomatoes in Russia surpassing those in many EU countries, indicating inflationary pressures on essential goods.
This situation raises concerns about food security and economic stability in Russia, as the higher cost of living could lead to growing discontent among the population. With rising food prices and stagnant wages, the affordability of essential goods is becoming a critical issue for many Russian families, highlighting the need for policy interventions to alleviate these economic burdens and ensure that citizens can afford basic necessities.
