Goods are "slimming down" before Russians' eyes: experts found hidden price increases in stores.

      The Union of Consumers of Russia (SPRF) reported that more and more Russians are encountering so-called shrinkflation — when a product’s weight or volume is reduced but the price remains the same. According to the organization, such cases have become widespread and require systemic solutions.

      SPRF experts identified several common schemes that cause shoppers to overpay: reducing a product’s volume at the same price, listing the cost “per 100 grams” rather than for the whole package, and manipulating “promotional” prices, where the bargain price is highlighted in large type and the regular price is barely noticeable.

      The organization notes that it is difficult for shoppers to compare the cost of different products in stores: packages differ, and far from everyone can recalculate the price per kilogram or liter. As a result, many do not notice that they are actually paying more than before. SPRF estimates that Russians’ total losses from such practices amount to about 3% of purchase costs.

      To solve the problem, SPRF sent an official appeal to the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin, proposing changes to retail trade rules. Under their proposal, price tags would be required to show prices not only for the package but also per 1 kilogram or liter of the product. The font and size of prices for regular and promotional items should also be standardized to eliminate confusion.

      The organization believes that such measures would not require significant expenses from businesses, but would help protect consumers and make shelf prices more transparent.