Shocking Figures: Food Products In Belarus Became 400-1100% More Expensive In 10 years

Meanwhile, salaries have only decreased.

We are used to an average of 5-8% per year. At the same time, the official inflation often does not coincide in sensations with the rise in prices that we observe in the stores. However, the statistical authorities collect detailed information here as well. Myfin.by looked at how prices for the same grocery items changed from April 2011 to April 2021. The figures will impress even the Belarusians who are accustomed to high inflation.

The journalists have grouped food into several categories to make it easier to compare them. The comparison involves identical food products from the so-called “Belstat store”.

In the grains and cereals category, the maximum rise in price was observed for infant formula (+ 802%), baby cereal (+ 578%) and pasta (+ 591%). Buckwheat, on the contrary, showed relative price stability, adding only 98% against this background.

State-regulated prices for bread and flour products have also shown impressive growth since 2011. Rye bread went up in price by 770%, rolls added 913% in price. Among sweets, chocolate rose in price at an average rate (+ 554%), ice cream rose in price faster (+ 895%).

Delicious smoked fish showed a record rise in food prices - this category added an incredible 1124% in 10 years. This is more than 128% per year. Overall, meat and fish prices have risen by about 400% over the decade.

Sausage products rose in price at about the same rate as meat, even somewhat more. Raw smoked sausages became the leader in this category with an increase of 501%. Cooked sausage has risen in price by 416%.

The efforts of the state to curb prices for dairy products were not reflected in any way. All of them rose in price at about the same rate as products with unregulated prices. Milk prices rose by 737%, butter rose by 724%.

In the category of fruits and vegetables, cabbage showed the most modest price growth. For 10 years, it has risen in price by only 87%. However, Belarusian potatoes added 367% in price, apples went up by 350%, and imported bananas by 481%.

It is also worth remembering that the average salary in Belarus from April 2011 to April 2021 increased by 786% from 156.3 rubles to 1384.7 rubles, which means, on average, inflation was approximately at the level of income growth. Such an average Belarusian in 2021 will be able to buy more vegetables and fruits with their salary than the Belarusian in 2011, but less smoked fish, ice cream, and baby food. The only nuance is that prices rise for everyone equally, unlike incomes.