Volgograd Businessman Shocked by Price Hikes on Food and Gas
A Volgograd businessman named Nikita Timoshchenko was shocked by the post-New Year price hikes for food in chain supermarkets. As the owner of a chain of kiosks selling shawarma and ice cream, he is among the first to feel the effects of inflation on the basic food basket. He shared his emotional reaction after a shopping trip with his social media followers.
Nikita laments that prices have gone up not only in regular stores but also at wholesale warehouses. Within a month, he predicts, other entrepreneurs will be forced to raise their prices, which will directly impact the wallets of all Volgograd residents.
«Chicken fillet cost 389 rubles (about $4) yesterday, today it«s 430 rubles (about $5). Tomatoes went up by 30 rubles, cucumbers even more. I»m talking about the shopping basket of both an ordinary customer and a sole proprietor business owner. What kind of profit can you even talk about if everyone starts raising their prices now.»
At the same time, as he notes, prices have risen sharply after the New Year not only for food but also for other everyday essentials, including gasoline.
«VAT increased, taxes will go up, utility bills will rise — and this is just the beginning. It«s going to be a tough year, guys. A fight for survival.»
Ordinary Volgograd residents have also noted price increases in stores, especially for fresh tomatoes. A kilogram of red vegetables after the January holidays cost more than 250 rubles (about $3). As for fuel, it«s hardly worth mentioning — it has been steadily rising almost every week since last year.
