Price hike reported in Transbaikalia for the month of April
Rising Prices in Zabaykalsky Krai's Catering Sector
In April 2025, the most noticeable price hikes in Zabaykalsky Krai were observed in the public catering sector, according to the Bank of Russia's Chita branch. This increase was primarily due to heightened costs incurred by catering establishments in procuring products, labor, and rent, which were subsequently passed onto consumers. Over the course of the year, the cost of dishes in canteens, cafes, and restaurants reportedly surged by an average of 11.7%.
Significant price jumps were also recorded for ice cream, with its cost escalating by 30.15% over the 12-month period. This spike can be attributed to a rise in the cost of raw materials and imported ingredients on global markets, as well as increased operational expenses for labor, packaging, and logistics. Similarly, prices for fish and seafood experienced an increase of 16.91%, mainly due to reduced catches and increased industry costs.
In contrast, egg prices have been on a downward trajectory for the last three months in the regional market, with a 6.34% reduction over the year due to escalated production and supplies.
During the same month, prices for electronics, household appliances, cars, footwear, and furniture witnessed a decline. This decrease was primarily driven by the strengthening of the ruble and a decreased demand resulting from a slowdown in consumer lending. In the computer segment, there was even a year-on-year price decrease, and for most other non-food items, the price increase was significantly less severe than the market average.
Firewood prices, however, increased by 27.24% over the year, primarily due to a decrease in demand as people switched to alternative fuels. Despite this decrease in demand, firewood prices rose in the regional market. Meanwhile, medical and perfume-cosmetic goods increased in price due to elevated costs and customs duties, but this rise was less than the market average.
April also saw an increase in the prices for visits to cultural institutions, primarily due to the indexing of museum ticket prices following a long freeze. Telecommunication tariffs also increased as operators adjusted the cost of internet access and communication, passing these increased costs onto consumers. Consequently, telecommunication services in Zabaykalsky Krai grew by 3.72% in a month and by 11.69% over the year. Prices for international tourist trips, on the other hand, decreased by 4.41% due to the strengthening of the ruble and a decreased demand for tours to Southeast Asian countries.
Despite these increases, the pace of price increases in Zabaykalsky Krai in April was lower than the national average, with a more significant decline observed in foreign tourism and firewood. Conversely, telecommunications services in the region grew faster than the national average.
The annual inflation rate in Zabaykalsky remained virtually unchanged and was comparable to the national level, with food prices in the region increasing less than in other regions of Russia.
Factors contributing to the price increases in various sectors remain unclear, though potential contributors may include economic conditions, supply and demand imbalances, environmental factors, and government policies. More detailed information is necessary to definitively identify the reasons for these price hikes.
In the realm of finance and business, the catering industry experienced a surge in prices, resulting in a 11.7% average increase in the cost of dishes. Similarly, the price of ice cream increased by a significant 30.15%, attributed to a variety of factors affecting raw materials, labor, and logistics.
