Moscow Inflation-weary Russians saw the price of fruit and vegetables increase by 22 percent in January, the government said Wednesday, increasing pressure on households already reeling from an economic crisis. Prices in the country have skyrocketed in recent months due to the plunging ruble and Moscow´s ban on European Union and US food in retaliation for sanctions slapped on Russia over its backing of rebels in eastern Ukraine. In January, the price of fruit and vegetables increased by 22.1 percent from December, representing a spike of 40.7 percent in yearly terms, said the ministry of economic development. “This unprecedented price increase is a result of a decrease in imported products, which have nearly halved,” said the report. Basic vegetables consumed regularly in Russian households were among the worst-affected, with the price of cabbage soaring 27.9 percent and carrots by 17.4 percent. The price of sugar jumped 19.1 percent in January, and 68.1 percent year-on-year.
