Inflation and products: an avalanche of prices shocks buyers

By May 2023, inflation in Russia reached 15–18%. Food prices have risen especially sharply: bread and flour have risen in price by 25–30%, meat by 20–25%, vegetables have constantly “jumped” due to seasonal shortages and logistics problems. Many Russians, accustomed to spending part of their budget on “spare supplies,” began to buy a minimum set of products, saved more often, and chose cheaper brands. The segment of premium goods experienced a decline: people gave up unnecessary things and reduced spending on entertainment, clothing, and equipment. The problem of regional inequality has worsened: in the capitals the situation can still be “survived,” but in the deep regions prices rose, but incomes remained at the same level. It was especially difficult for pensioners, single people, families with children - the budget was overloaded. Social tension began to rise. Queues for cheap products began to appear in stores, and demand for discounts and promotions increased. In the media there are stories from regions where people save on food and refuse vitamins and medicines. May 2023 was the month when almost everyone felt the rise in prices - and many wondered: how long will the “passenger life” last with constantly rising costs?