Cucumbers Become Symbol of Soaring Prices in Russia: Prices Surge Over 110 Percent

The Russian economy is grappling with rampant food inflation, which in recent months has hit greenhouse vegetable prices the hardest. Official data from the federal statistical service shows that cucumber prices have doubled in just two months. In the capital and other large agglomerations, a kilogram of these vegetables costs an average of 300 rubles, equivalent to about 44 złoty. However, independent media report much higher prices at local bazaars, reaching up to 1500 rubles per kilogram for top-quality products. This situation has sparked social discontent, particularly visible on social media, where users mock vegetables as a new "delicacy" for the select few. The share of food expenses in Russian household budgets has exceeded 40 percent of income, a level not seen since the 2008 financial crisis and the transformation period of the 1990s. The political response was immediate due to the upcoming parliamentary elections. The State Duma began debating price control mechanisms, and the Russian antitrust authority called on producers and retail chains to provide explanations. Official reasons cited for the price surge include seasonality and rising energy costs needed to heat greenhouses in winter. Nevertheless, experts emphasize that the core of the problem lies in the costs of waging war against Ukraine, which drains the state budget and forces increases in indirect taxes. Many supermarkets have decided to impose sales limits to prevent stockpiling by speculators. „Cucumbers have become a new delicacy in our stores, affordable to an ever-shrinking group of citizens.” — Sergei Mironov The problem is not limited to cucumbers. High prices have also affected potatoes and dairy, forcing consumers to seek products with short expiration dates sold at large discounts. The share of food expenses in household budgets now stands at forty percent, the highest level in sixteen years. Although Rusprodsoyuz assures that the situation will stabilize in the coming weeks, experts remain skeptical. The armed aggression and accompanying economic isolation have permanently increased logistics and import costs for components essential in agriculture, suggesting that the era of cheap food in Russia has definitively ended. 111% — is the increase in cucumber prices since December Average Cucumber Prices in Russia (November 2025 – February 2026): : → ; : → ; : → 2025-11: 142, 2025-12: 195, 2026-01: 245, 2026-02: 300