In Russia, the once-humble cucumber has become the latest symbol of rising living costs, with official data showing prices have doubled since December to more than 300 roubles per kilogram. Shoppers across cities such as Omsk have expressed anger as social media posts reveal even steeper mark-ups in some stores. The spike has drawn attention at a time when the country is grappling with economic strain linked to the prolonged war in Ukraine and broader inflationary pressures.
Under mounting criticism, Russia’s anti-monopoly regulator has sought explanations from producers and retailers. Politicians, including members of the ruling United Russia party, have voiced concern ahead of parliamentary elections. Sergei Mironov, leader of the A Just Russia party, mocked official claims that seasonality was to blame, comparing the situation to last year’s surge in potato prices and questioning how ordinary citizens are expected to cope with the rising cost of basic foods.
The price surge comes as overall inflation has climbed and the central bank forecasts annual inflation of up to 5.5%. With cucumbers now sometimes costing more than imported fruit like bananas, some Siberian supermarkets have limited purchases per customer, while one popular newspaper has distributed seeds encouraging readers to grow their own. Though authorities have managed similar price spikes in the past and there are no signs of widespread unrest, the episode underscores growing public anxiety over household expenses during a challenging economic period.
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