Russian families are spending a significant portion of their income on food, with the food expenditure index reaching 34.6% in April, according to data from the ROMIR Institute of Human Studies. This figure represents a 1.5% increase compared to March and a 6% increase compared to April of the previous year.

This high percentage indicates a relatively low level of well-being among the population, as less income is available for other essential needs such as clothing, appliances, education, medicine, or savings. Experts attribute this situation to several factors, including stagnant real incomes, high inflation, rising food prices due to sanctions, reduced imports, and increased logistics costs.

Economists emphasize that the Central Bank’s efforts to combat inflation through high interest rates further limit investment in real business and the social sphere. A decrease in the food expenditure index is unlikely under the current conditions without price stabilization, growth in real incomes, and increased domestic food production.

Inflation is a key problem, and curbing it is essential to prevent a strong negative impact on economic growth and to maintain motivation for workers, whose real incomes are decreasing in some sectors. The figures on food expenditures may influence the Central Bank’s credit policy decisions.