The cost of meat production in Russia has increased by 15-18% in a year: reasons and consequences

The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) is also planning to determine whether there were grounds for price increases in April and May and will take antitrust measures if necessary. Ahead of the May holidays, the FAS issued a reminder that unjustified price increases on meat products, which are in high demand among consumers, are unacceptable.

According to the National Union of Meat Processors, chicken and pork prices did indeed rise during the holidays, driven by producers' sales expectations. However, adverse weather conditions and fire restrictions also played a role. After the holidays, meat prices began to decline, although they remain above previous years' levels. The exception is beef , which saw a significant increase. Yushin noted that some producers' cost increases are significantly higher due to high lending rates, rising feed and veterinary drug costs, and wage increases amid labor shortages. However, despite the price increases, demand for meat remains high; Russians are expected to reach a consumption record of 83 kg per person in 2024 , although a smaller increase is expected this year due to changing consumer habits.