Inflation in Russia at the beginning of 2026 hits essential goods
The Russian economy began 2026 with a noticeable acceleration in inflation. In the first 12 days of January, the average daily rate of price growth rose to 0.104 per cent, compared to 0.014 per cent at the end of 2025. This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
The sharpest price increases were recorded in the food segment, primarily among fruit and vegetable products. On average, prices rose by 7.9 per cent. Cucumbers rose in price by more than 21 per cent, tomatoes by 13.6 per cent, which significantly exceeds the typical winter level and indicates problems with supply and logistics. At the same time, prices for socially sensitive goods, such as baby food, pork and alcohol, rose, partly due to an increase in excise duties.
Inflationary pressure also spread to non-food essentials. Cleaning products, hygiene products and medicines, including antivirals, became more expensive. At the same time, consumer electronics are becoming cheaper, which highlights a structural imbalance, as inflation is concentrated not in the area of discretionary spending, but in basic household consumption.
An additional factor of pressure was the 1.2-1.3 per cent increase in fuel prices. This increases logistics costs and transportation costs and creates a secondary inflationary effect that is gradually spreading to other sectors of the economy.
The sharp increase in service tariffs has been the most painful for the population. Metro fares have risen by 10.7 per cent and tram fares by 5.4 per cent, which significantly exceeds the overall inflation rate. At the same time, tariffs for housing and communal services are rising, increasing the burden on household budgets.
The FISU notes that these trends together point to a deepening of economic problems in Russia in 2026. Inflation is increasingly spilling over into basic expenses such as transport, housing and utilities, medicines and food.
Russia, inflation, economy, FISU
