The price increase has slowed down; however, Russians feel the effects of crisis: for more than half a year they refrain from buying certain goods.  

MOSCOW, July 9, 2015. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the results of the survey devoted to the Russian assessments of the price increase for different goods and services, as well as the way how they respond to the crisis.

According to Russian assessments, the increasing prices for basic goods has slowed down compared to the beginning of the year and reached the estimate of the autumn 2014. Meat is at the top of the list of products affected by inflation. However, whereas the share of regular consumers who marked increased prices for meat products was 89% in January this year,  this share has considerably decreased (to 74%) by June, lower than the  estimates of September 2014 (85%). The price rate index* for meat is 54 point (vs 77 points in January this year).

Most of respondents who do housekeeping have also witnessed rising prices for dairy products (70%) and fruits and vegetables (69%); inflation perception estimates are 48 and 46 points, respectively.  More than half of respondents also say that they pay more for sugar (64%; 43 points), paste goods (62%; 41 points) and bakery (65%; 42 points).  

Increase in utility bills is even more importantб according to 69% of Russians; the index reached 51 points in June. As in the previous months, gasoline prices and transport fares has been least affected by inflation (39 and 31 points).

Meanwhile, over the recent five months the share of Russians who changed their consumer behavior in response to the economic crisis has dramatically increased. The number of those who opt for cheaper goods for more than half a year grew up from January to June  (from 22% to 32%); the same is true for those who refrain from buying certain goods  (from 21% to 29%). Some people switched to this behavior in recent six months (20% and 25%, respectively); every tenth - a month ago (8% and 8%).

Russians have not tried any other anti-crisis strategies yet (the number of those who have tried is the same). The proportion of those who buy food in store or grow their own vegetables and fruits are 36% (for each group). About one-third of respondents (36%) search for a high-paid job and a second job; about one-quarter (28%) spend their savings on everyday needs. Some poeple borrow money (25%), get free financial help from friends  (23%) or take on a loan (23%). Only 10% save up in currency   (11%) or sell valuable or personal property (7%).

*Price Rate Index shows the Russian perception of inflation. The Index is calculated as a difference of positive and negative answers to the question “How would you assess the increase in prices for the following goods and services over the recent two months?”. The answer “Prices have considerably decreased” correspondents to the coefficient" (-1); “Prices have considerably decreased” - (-0.5); Prices have decreased, but too much” – (0.5); “Prices have decreased, but too much” - (1); “Prices have not changed” – (0). The Index is measured in points and can vary between -100 and 100. The higher the value of index is, the higher the inflation rate is, according to Russians.  

The VCIOM opinion poll was conducted June 27-28, 2015; 1600 respondents were interviewed in 130 settlements in 46 regions of Russia. The margin of error does not exceed 3.5%.

** In September 2014, there were no such answer options  

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