Borscht inflation: Cost of making Russia’s staple dish spikes

Waves of strict sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine have set off supply shocks and a steep currency devaluation

Even food staples grown in Russia are soaring in cost, providing a glimpse of the hardship that awaits consumers after waves of sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine set off supply shocks and a steep currency devaluation.

Most of the hearty ingredients needed to make borscht, considered comfort food in Russia and much of eastern Europe, saw double-digit price increases in a single week, with onions soaring more than 18% and cabbage nearly 16%. Residents of some regions had to fork out over 40% more for some of the basic foodstuffs needed to cook a savory pot, which also features beets alongside potatoes and carrots.

Consumer prices overall rose 1.16% in the seven days ending March 25, down slightly from 1.93% a week earlier, the Federal Statistics Service said Wednesday.