FAS is asked to check the inflated prices for flowers by March 8

The FAS is asked to check the inflated prices for flowers by March 8. Sergei Mironov, the head of the Fair Russia — For Truth faction, made such a request to Maxim Shaskolsky, the head of the service.

"In recent years, there has been a tendency to monopolize the market in the field of flower sales, which suggests a possible abuse of the dominant position of individual large companies. As a result, consumers face significant price increases for flowers, which often exceed the official inflation rate. The cost increases especially sharply during the festive periods, including by March 8," the document, which is available to Izvestia, says.

It notes that the market research conducted by the deputies on the website of the largest online flower shops shows that in some periods the cost of bouquets can increase from 3,700-4,500 rubles to 6,500-7,000 rubles, which is a percentage increase of about 55% to 80%.

"Bouquets are most expensive one or two days before the holiday: for example, in Moscow the average price can reach 3635 rubles, and the cheapest bouquets can be bought in Perm for 1897 rubles. Such a significant price increase significantly reduces the availability of floral products for the majority of citizens and is most noticeable for young people, young families whose budgets are limited. Such a situation contradicts the goals of state policy aimed at supporting families and youth," the document says.

In this regard, Sergey Mironov asks the FAS to conduct a comprehensive check to identify signs of abuse of a dominant position and unjustified price gouging in the field of flower retailing and take the necessary measures.

"The price increase is already exceeding the inflation rate, and they become especially expensive before March 8. It seems that the price tags in flower salons are being rewritten literally overnight, as if wholesalers and salon owners want to earn a year in advance in a few days in March," Sergei Mironov himself explained to Izvestia the need for verification.

Tulip or gone: a bouquet by March 8 will cost 4 thousand rubles.

Domestic flowers account for only 20% of the market

On March 5, Izvestia got acquainted with the results of a study by the dating service Mamba, according to which more than a quarter of the surveyed Russians would like to receive a gift in the amount of 50 thousand rubles or more on International Women's Day. Almost half of the male respondents, in turn, plan to spend from 1 thousand to 3 thousand rubles on it.