Inflation in Kirov Oblast has slowed.

      Over the month, consumer prices in the region rose by 0.79%, which is higher than the nationwide figure (0.32%). The main contribution to the price rise came from food: food products increased in price more noticeably than non-food goods and services. Prices for fruits and vegetables rose the most in December — primarily cucumbers. This is due to the seasonal switch to more costly greenhouse production. Eggs, foodservice and coffee also became more expensive — due to rising producer costs and higher prices for raw materials on the world market. In the non-food goods segment, price increases affected furniture, perfumes, cosmetics, and detergents and cleaning products. At the same time, fuel and building materials became cheaper amid seasonal demand decline and production recovery. Services also became more expensive in December. The largest increase was in medical services, which is linked to higher organizational spending on staff salaries and equipment maintenance. At the same time, the cost of foreign tourist trips fell due to seasonal demand decline. The Bank of Russia notes that annual inflation in the region has been slowing for the third month in a row but still exceeds the national average. According to the regulator’s forecast, in 2026 inflation in the country will fall to 4–5% and then stabilize near the 4% target. To achieve this, the Bank of Russia intends to keep interest rates high in the economy.