Inflation in annexed Crimea was three times higher than in Russia

Food and fuel prices have risen in occupied Crimea. Annual inflation accelerated to 15.79 percent in July, which is nearly three times higher than the rate for Russia as a whole.

This was reported by Krym.Realii. 

Non-food goods became 18.53% more expensive over the month and 24.75% more expensive over the year. Food prices rose by 5.13% and 13.25%, respectively. Service prices remained virtually unchanged over the month (+0.19%) but increased by 8.39% over the year.

Motor fuel saw the sharpest price increase. In July, its price rose by 139.86%, and over the past 12 months, by 204.48%. In Russia, this was attributed to refinery maintenance and “ delivery difficulties” to the peninsula.

Eggs set another price record. Their price in Crimea rose by 44.22% over the month and by 68.43% over the year. The price increase for this product is due to a decline in local production and rising delivery costs caused by fuel prices. 

Sugar prices rose by 16.98% in July and by 42.3% over the past year; pasta and grains rose by 8.09% and 12.61%, bread by 7.82% and 19.23%, and meat products by 7.32% and 15.82%.

In contrast, the cost of health resort services in Crimea fell by 12.33% in July. In Russia, this is attributed to a seasonal decline in prices and a drop in demand “due to worsening logistics.”

Local residents have long been forced to cross the Kerch Bridge to the Kuban region in search of cheaper food. This is done not only by ordinary citizens but also by small shop owners. It remains profitable even after factoring in travel costs. 

In late July, the occupying administration stated that it is monitoringthe situationand documenting cases of unjustified, speculative price increases. In addition, a maximum markup of 5% has been set for a number of socially essential goods.

Юлія Калабайда