The deputy spoke about the reasons for the weekly deflation in Russia

State Duma deputy and member of the Committee on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Alexei Govyrin (United Russia) commented on May 7 to Izvestia on the first week-long deflation in Russia in eight months and outlined the factors that influenced price dynamics.

"Following the results of the week from April 28 to May 4, the consumer price index decreased to 99.98%, which corresponds to a decrease of 0.02%. Such weekly dynamics in the negative zone has not been recorded since the end of August 2025. This may indicate a gradual effect of tight monetary policy, which is beginning to manifest itself at the consumer price level," the parliamentarian explained.

According to him, the main contribution to the decline was made by fruit and vegetable products, which fell in price by an average of 2.7%. Prices for cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as some fruits and eggs, decreased most noticeably. This dynamic is explained by a seasonal factor, but it was reinforced by additional macroeconomic conditions.

Among the key aspects, he noted the strengthening of the ruble, which is held at about 75 rubles per dollar and about 11 rubles per yuan. This is due to export foreign exchange earnings and a temporary decrease in the Ministry of Finance's activity in the foreign exchange market. As a result, imported goods become cheaper, which is gradually reflected in retail prices.

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An additional impact is the high cost of borrowing, which constrains consumer demand and the activity of importers. Under these conditions, as the deputy noted, the cooling effect of the economy is becoming more pronounced.

He also attributed the current dynamics to the decision of the Bank of Russia to reduce the key rate to 14.5% and maintain tight monetary conditions. According to him, this creates a scenario of a gradual slowdown in inflation.

At the same time, Govyrin stressed that it is premature to spread weekly data on a long-term trend. The seasonal decrease in food prices may be temporary, and the influence of the currency factor may partially weaken against the background of the Ministry of Finance's return to market operations.

Rosstat reported on May 6 that in the period from April 28 to May 4, deflation of 0.02% was recorded in Russia for the first time since the beginning of the year. Prices decreased significantly in the fruit and vegetable products category by 2.66%. In particular, cucumbers fell the most by 11.63% and tomatoes by 7.5%.