Central Bank reports 2025 inflation slowdown, price hikes in Voronezh region

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) branch for the Voronezh region summarized inflation results for December 2025 and the year overall. According to Rosstat (Russian Federal State Statistics Service) — which the Bank of Russia relies on — prices in the region rose in the last month of the past year, but by only 0.2%. However, in annual terms, they actually fell — from 6.21% in November to 5.34% in December. The region fared better than the national average: Russia«s 2025 inflation was 5.59%. The CBR notes this is the lowest figure since 2021.

Not Prices, But Cinema

«Food prices mainly increased in December,» the Central Bank notes, citing demand for traditional New Year«s salad ingredients. As a result, residents spent more than in November on cucumbers, greens, potatoes, carrots, and eggs. However, compared to 2024, vegetables and fruits were 12.1% cheaper, and eggs were 33.6% cheaper. Sugar also continued to drop in price due to high reserves and a good beet harvest.

Butter also became cheaper in December — by 6.67%, according to Rosstat. The Bank of Russia explains this with increased domestic production and lower wholesale costs globally and domestically. Given that from May 2024 to July 2025, even official data shows butter prices rose in «astronomical leaps,» the December drop seems more like a statistical anomaly. For household chemicals and perfume, even the CBR admits December sales allowed for savings. Conversely, cinema tickets became more expensive simply due to demand, with theaters passing on maintenance and salary costs to viewers.

Overall in 2025, services were the main inflation driver in the Voronezh region: utility prices rose 10.68% on average, transport fares 13.19%, personal care (haircuts, manicures, etc.) 11.94%, education 12.33%, healthcare 7.58%, and cultural outings (like cinema) set a record at 15.23%. Dining out became 14.9% more expensive for Voronezh residents, against a 4.08% average rise in food prices — a confluence of utility and business costs. Foreign travel, however, unpatriotically fell in price by almost 5%.

Like a Potato in Butter

Among food items in 2025, tea, coffee, and cocoa prices soared (+20.3%), followed by fish (+12.94%). Cheese rose by only 8.36%, meat by 7.85%, and milk by a mere 4.27%. Egg prices collapsed by a third, and vegetables, including potatoes, fell by 12.12%. Those who once saw the film «Devchat» (a Soviet comedy, 6+) know how many dishes can be made from potatoes, especially with almost free butter. Alcohol prices rose 12.66% on average. Cold water, since July 1 last year, increased by 14.1%.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Russia is determined to lower inflation to 4–5% by the end of 2026 and then firmly anchor it at 4%. It warns:

«In order for inflation to become sustainably low, high interest rates in the economy will be maintained.»

So, if you«re still dreaming of an affordable mortgage, you»d better dream of a good potato harvest.