Economics
Russian Food Prices Skyrocket in Growing Concern for Kremlin
- Potatoes, butter top list of staples to have soared in cost
- Central bank has already increased rates to record highs
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Russians are facing a surge in food prices, creating a headache for President Vladimir Putin as he tries to balance the Kremlin’s military ambitions with a need for domestic stability.
A kilogram of potatoes is at least 73% more expensive than at the start of the year, while the price of butter has increased by more than 30%, according to data released by the Federal Statistics Service on Thursday. Those two products top the list compiled by the agency, with vegetables such as onions and beets up more than 20% and sour cream, milk, bread and fish all 12%-15% higher than 2023 levels.