The Prosecutor’s Office will check the data on the increase in the price of milk

“The inspection was organized and carried out with the participation of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. In response to the identified violations, judicial response measures will be taken to suppress unjustified price increases and protect the rights of citizens,” the Attorney General’s Office said.

On November 12, Vedomosti reported that Wimm-Bill-Dann, the largest producer of drinking milk in Russia, warned retail chains about increasing sales prices for milk from November 1 by 3.4 %. The company attributed this to “accelerated price increases” for raw milk “under the influence of external factors,” including “record levels” of wholesale prices and increased demand for the fat component of milk for butter production.

In addition, according to the newspaper, another manufacturer, Ekomilk, warned retail chains about the increase in milk prices, which raised them by 10% since October 1. The company cited as reasons a “progressive increase” in the cost of raw materials and overhead costs, including packaging and spare parts.

The FAS told the publication that the service has already sent requests to the largest producers of dairy products: they must provide the regulator with data on the financial and economic indicators of their activities. In case of violations, antitrust measures will be taken, the service clarified.

Wimm-Bill-Dann declined to comment to Vedomosti. Ekomilka did not respond to the publication’s request.