Moscow residents spend 3,5 times more on food than the fixed minimum

Moscow State Commission for Statistics claims that a minimal amount of food supply of working Moscovites in December constituted 1373 rubles 75 kopeks.

It was also calculated that pensioners have spent 783 rubles 44 kopeks for the month of December of last year. Most likely, the amount of consumer's shopping list will not change until July 2004.

GAZETA examined prices in chain supermarkets and Moscow's open markets. It turned out that a minimal price of a single shopping cart in Moscow equals to 4632,38 rubles. The sum exceeds the one indicated by the Commission for Statistics by 3,5 times.

A preconceived notion regarding the fact that market prices tend to be lower than those in Moscow's supermarkets is not always true. This has been concluded after comparing prices of such supermarkets as “Dixie”, “Pyatyorochka” and “Kopeika” with those at a local open market or bazaar. As a result, it has been determined that bazaar prices for milk, rice, pelmeni, beer (especially imported) on average exceed those of supermarket's by 5 rubles. Cheese, fish and coffee is also more expensive at the bazaar.

As far as alcohol prices are concerned, those who enjoy drinking “Russian Standard” are facing a risk of paying 40 rubles more at the bazaar.

In addition, bazaar's sales people often disregard simple sanitation rules as well as rules of product storage. In fact in winter time, for instance, they often sell frozen sunflower oil and mineral water.

Aside from more civilized sales conditions, many supermarkets provide various privileges for their customers.  GAZETA has also found out that some chain supermarkets raise prices on some goods during weekends. Therefore, it makes more sense to purchases all necessities during weekdays.

Source: Gazeta