Volgograd Businessman Forecasts Further Price Increases

Volgograd entrepreneur Nikita Timoshchenko, who owns a chain of kiosks selling shawarma and ice cream, was shocked by the sharp rise in food prices in supermarkets after the New Year.

As a representative of small business, he was among the first to feel the effects of inflation and decided to share his emotions with his followers on social media.

Timoshchenko noted that not only retail but also wholesale trade is becoming more expensive. He predicts that within a month, other entrepreneurs will be forced to raise prices, which will directly impact the budgets of Volgograd residents.

In his post, the businessman gave specific examples: «Chicken fillet cost 389 rubles (approximately $4 at current rates) yesterday, today it»s 430 rubles (about $4). Tomatoes went up by 30 rubles (around $0.30), cucumbers even more. I«m talking now about the basket of both a regular customer and an individual entrepreneur. What profit can we even talk about if everyone starts raising their price tags now.»

In addition to food, prices for other everyday goods, including gasoline, are rapidly rising.

«VAT has increased, taxes, utilities will rise — and this is only the beginning. It will be a tough year, guys. A battle for life and death,» he added.

Ordinary residents of Volgograd also note the price increase. For example, in January, a kilogram of fresh tomatoes cost more than 250 rubles (about $2.50 at current rates). As for fuel, its price has been steadily increasing almost every week since last year.