Inflation Affects Prices from Eggs to Theater in Primorye
Inflation slowed in December but remained above the national average in Primorye. According to the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat), consumer prices in the region rose by 0.17% compared to November, while annual inflation reached 6.62% against 5.59% for the country as a whole.
Despite the slowdown in growth rates, the structure of inflation in Primorye was uneven. In December, non-food goods saw the sharpest price increases, food prices rose moderately, and services on average became cheaper. However, on an annual basis, services were the main driver of inflation: over 12 months, their cost increased by 10.32%.
Rosstat noted that with seasonal factors excluded, price growth slowed in December.
«This could be related to the fact that some retailers held sales of certain goods before the New Year,» stated the materials of the statistical agency.
In the food market in December, prices for confectionery and dairy products increased. High pre-New Year demand allowed producers to pass on cost increases, including labor costs amid staff shortages, into prices. Over the year, sweets became more expensive by 12.2%, dairy products by 13.8%.
Meanwhile, eggs, despite seasonal demand, became more expensive less than usual, and by the end of the year even became cheaper by 11.34%.
In the last two months of the year, prices for pasta and cereals decreased— primarily for rice, stocks of which remain high on the Russian market. Over the past year, prices for pasta and cereals in the region rose by 3.72%, while rice fell by 7.05%.
Sugar showed a downward trend in cost for seven consecutive months, and over the year its cost in Primorye decreased by almost 4%.
Among non-food goods in December, prices for computers, televisions, and smartphones increased noticeably— due to seasonal demand and rising retailer costs. However, on an annual basis, electronics in Primorye became cheaper: computers by 7.19%, televisions by 12.62%, smartphones by 5.75%.
Used foreign cars became more expensive in December due to an increase in the recycling fee from December 1, 2025, but by the end of the year their prices decreased by 5.93%.
Last year, clothing, footwear, and knitwear became cheaper, especially noticeable against the backdrop of sales ahead of the holidays. Clothing and underwear decreased in price by 1.70%, knitwear by 1.67%, and footwear by 3.02%.
In December, services overall became cheaper by 0.13%. Passenger transport prices fell the most— by 7.19%, mainly due to cheaper railway tickets after the New Year holidays and the introduction of subsidized air tickets for Far Eastern residents. However, over the year, passenger transport services in Primorye became more expensive by 5.27%.
Over the past year, theater tickets in the region became more expensive by 11.41%. For four consecutive months, the cost of apartment rentals fell, but the annual price increase for it still amounted to 11.51%.
Over the year, household services increased in price by 14.53%. In particular, hairdressing and manicure salons significantly raised prices amid high seasonal demand and rising costs. Providers included in the cost of their services increased expenses for purchasing raw materials and tools, as well as for equipment maintenance, premises rental, and labor payments. They also factored into prices the expected increase in VAT from January 1, 2026.
The Bank of Russia emphasized that for a sustained reduction in inflation, the regulator will continue its policy of high interest rates. According to the Central Bank«s forecast, in 2026 inflation in the country will drop to 4–5% and subsequently stabilize near 4%.
Thus, December brought Primorye residents temporary price relief, but the year«s results showed: services and daily expenses continue to rise faster than desired, and the region still lives with inflation above the national average.
Earlier, we wrote about how wages changed in Primorye in 2025 compared to indicators from two years ago. You can review the data from Primorskstat via the link.
