Prices on buckwheat, a Russian staple, continue to rise rapidly, even though the price increases have exceeded 30% in 17 Russian regions, giving the government legal authority to regulate prices.
In addition, the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has filed cases against buckwheat suppliers.
In the week of September 24 – October 1, wholesales prices on buckwheat groats increased 790 rubles to 48,665 rubles a tonne in the European portion of Russia, according to an analysis performed by ProZerno LLC.
Prices rose to 47,326 rubles a tonne overall in September, up from 13,899 rubles a tonne in October last year.
The biggest price increases – up to 46,000-48,000 rubles a tonne – were recorded in the Volga region, which was hardest hit by drought. Prices were also up in Moscow region, but declined 1,750 rubles to 42,000 rubles a tonne in Western Siberia.
