17 Feb 2015 10:32

Deputy PM acknowledges food price growth exceeded govt expectations

MOSCOW. Feb 17 (Interfax) - Food prices in Russia have risen more than the government had anticipated, Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said.

"Yes, prices have increased, and this is the most unpleasant thing right now. Food prices have risen by around 20-25-30%. Except for the meat group, where there is less price growth," Dvorkovich said on the Pozner show on Channel One.

"Our prices for goods have indeed risen more than we would like," Dvorkovich added.

The main remedy for combating price growth is the revival of "small, alternative formats," he said.

"This refers to small stores, small businesses in trade, fairs, civilized markets, including weekend markets, mobile trade," Dvorkovich said.