The Russian Federation is grappling with a sharp spike in food prices, with cucumbers becoming the symbol of this trend. Their price has doubled since December, reaching 300 rubles per kilogram in official statistics, though local prices are significantly higher. This situation, exacerbated by the costs of war and sanctions, is fueling growing social discontent, forcing the Kremlin and regulatory bodies to intervene in the market for essential goods.
The Russian economy is entering a new, painful phase of difficulties, and the cucumber – a staple of the local diet – has been elevated to the status of a luxury item. According to data from Reuters and the Russian statistical agency Rosstat, prices for these vegetables have increased by over 111% compared to the end of 2025. The current average price is 300 rubles (approx. 13-15 PLN), but social media reports mention amounts of up to 1500 rubles per kilogram in some regions. This phenomenon is referred to as “gilded cucumbers,” aptly capturing the frustration of citizens whose food expenses now consume nearly 40% of disposable income. This is the highest rate in sixteen years, indicating the progressive impoverishment of society. In Russian history, sharp spikes in the prices of basic goods, such as buckwheat or sugar, have often heralded deeper economic crises and social unrest, forcing authorities to implement manual control of the economy.The causes of the crisis are complex, though authorities attempt to trivialize them, citing only seasonality and high greenhouse production costs in winter. In reality, the key factor is <przypis title=