Volgograd Residents Discuss Price Increases: 'Money Is Just Paper'

After the New Year holidays, many Volgograd residents faced rising prices for products and services, but some townspeople see nothing unusual in this.

Feb 2, 2026

The image relates to discussions about post-holiday price increases among Volgograd residents.
Source:
Alexey Volkhonsky / V1.RU

Volgograd entrepreneur Nikita Timoshchenko pointed out the significant increase in food prices, after which local residents joined the discussion. Many expressed shock not only at store prices but also at the rising cost of other goods and services.

Timoshchenko gave specific examples: «Chicken fillet cost 389 rubles (approximately $4 at current rates) yesterday, today — 430 rubles (about $5). Tomatoes increased by 30 rubles (around $0.33 at current rates), cucumbers even more.» He warned that prices will rise on almost everything in the near future, linking this to increases in VAT, taxes, and utility payments. «It will be a tough year, folks. A life-or-death struggle,» added the businessman.

Many Volgograd residents shared his concern. On social media, they report a 25% increase in major repair payments, noting that in stores, customers often just look at goods but buy nothing. One commenter stated: «Prices are simply skyrocketing, money has turned into mere paper, it»s impossible to buy anything. It feels like inflation is at least 40%.«

Some residents gave pessimistic forecasts. Someone recalled that before the revolution, meat was eaten only on holidays, and the diet was based on «shchi and kasha» (cabbage soup and porridge). Others suggested that restaurant lovers will visit them less often, and those who ate shawarma will switch to instant noodles.

However, there were also those who explained the price hikes with objective reasons. They pointed to the seasonality of vegetables: in winter, tomatoes and cucumbers are traditionally more expensive, and in summer their price drops. Also, some linked financial difficulties to high spending on New Year holidays: «For most people after New Year, everything is expensive because all the money went on alcohol.»

Economist Igor Belskikh previously forecast a «price surge» at the beginning of 2026 against the backdrop of VAT increase. He noted that the price rise started back in September, preceding the change in tax rate.