Implementing Price Controls for Local Veggies in Kamchatka Expected by March 31
In the vast and remote region of Kamchatka Krai, high prices on essential goods have long been a pressing issue due to significant transportation costs. To address this concern, the regional government has taken steps to regulate the maximum levels of trade markups on wholesale prices of essential goods.
The chairperson of the regional government, Vladimir Solodov, has been at the helm since September 16, 2025. Under his leadership, a maximum markup has already been established for some social food products, such as bread and milk, with a cap of 10% for bread and 15% for local milk.
In an effort to further combat high prices, the governor of Kamchatka Krai has asked to expand the category of goods with a maximum markup. This expansion is planned to include greenhouse vegetables produced in the region, with the work to complete this no later than March 31.
The legal basis for these price regulations and the identification of unscrupulous entrepreneurs is the Resolution of the Government of Kamchatka Krai No. 274-P, issued on July 30, 2015. This document lists 25 food items for which maximum markup sizes can be set in Kamchatka Krai.
However, the issue of speculation on social products and unscrupulous business practices continues to be a concern. Misuse of goods intended for sale at reduced prices by socially responsible businesses has been observed, particularly in the "Kamchatka Fish" project and local cucumber sales. Unscrupulous businessmen are also observed speculating on goods with social prices and reselling them at a significant markup.
To tackle this issue, the regional service for tariffs and prices in Kamchatka Krai will monitor pricing and respond to citizens' complaints about speculative price increases. The governor has also emphasized the need to fight against resellers of social products and unscrupulous entrepreneurs.
In addition to regulating prices, the authorities have introduced a maximum trade markup for local producers. This started with cucumbers, followed by tomatoes, and then Kamchatka eggs. By March 31, it is planned to expand this list to include locally grown vegetables.
Despite these efforts, Kamchatka Krai continues to rank in the top 5 regions with the highest price increases. Acting chair of the Kamchatka regional government, Yulia Morozova, has stated that they are committed to addressing this issue and working towards a more affordable market for essential goods in the region.
