Russia veg

An investigation ordered by the prosecutor general into the pricing practices of retailers across Russia has uncovered unjustified price increases since the introduction of last year's embargo, the Guardian has reported.

In the Samara region, it was found, the price of cabbage, cucumbers and peppers has risen by a remarkable 353, 544 and 654 per cent respectively, according to RBC Daily.

The discovery means consumers are facing doubly harsh conditions – the rouble has lost around half its value in the past year due to sanctions and a fall in oil prices, causing inflation to rocket to 11.4 per cent in December.

In January, prices for tomatoes, carrots and grapes in Samara increased by 26, 58 and 85 per cent respectively.

Retailers in Samara proved to be the worst offenders, but an investigation in the Bryansk region showed that many retailers had pushed up prices despite suppliers keeping their prices the stable.