In Russia, milk is becoming more expensive again for many households. In Saint Petersburg, several dairies announced higher supply prices with effect from 1 November; in the north of the Krasnoyarsk region, a litre of milk is reportedly already costing more than 700 roubles (€0.77) in some places. These two developments have different causes, but together they illustrate how severely shortages of raw materials, production costs and fragile transport routes are affecting access to a staple food.

The Galaktika group announced increases of between 3 and 9 per cent, Ekomilk five per cent and Severnaja Dolina eight per cent. Other manufacturers had already adjusted their prices in October: Logika Moloka by 4.2 per cent, and Wimm-Bill-Dann by between 5 and 11 per cent, depending on the product.

Manufacturers cite the rising cost of raw milk as the main reason. According to industry figures, the price has risen by around 15 per cent since the start of the year.

Fig.: Colourbox