Russian President Vladimir Putin says that Russia’s war economy is well balanced to supply both guns and butter, but the price of butter itself is now soaring as surging inflation distorts parts of the economy.
The price of a block of butter has risen by 25.7 per cent since December, according to the state statistics service.
Reuters reporters found shopping bills showed the price of a pack of Brest-Litovsk high-grade butter in Moscow has risen by 34 per cent since the start of the year to 239.96 roubles ($3.41 Cdn).
“The Armageddon with butter is escalating; we wouldn’t be surprised if butter repeats last year’s situation with eggs,” economists on Russia’s popular MMI Telegram channel warned, referring to an earlier spike in egg prices which alarmed consumers.
Anti-theft measures at stores
The steep price rise has prompted a spate of butter thefts at some supermarkets, according to Russian media, and some retailers have started …