Government of the Russian Federation may introduce monitoring of packaging prices

Mikhail Mishustin, Russian Prime Minister, announced that inclusion of packaging in the list of products whose value is being monitored by the Cabinet of Ministers was under consideration, according to Forbes. He said that packaging materials “account for a considerable share” in the price of many goods.

Previously, on December 20, 2024, Kommersant reported that Upakovochnye Sistemy JSC (“Packaging Systems”), the largest Russian producer of aseptic packaging and former branch of Tetra Pak in Russia, will rise the prices of its products and services by 9–22% starting from next year. The company explained it by the ruble exchange rate, the expenses associated with imported materials supply, and the changing cost of raw material. One of Kommersant’s sources from the foods market warned that an increase in the cost of packaging, which accounts for up to 10% of the finished product cost, may make it more expensive.

On the same day, the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service of Russia sent an inquiry to Upakovochnye Sistemy JSC. The agency’s press office noted that it would analyze the reasons for raising the prices of company’s products. “If the acquired data evidences that the price hike was unjustified, the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service of Russia will check the company’s activity for signs of violating the anti-monopoly legislation,” the agency explained.