Prices in UAH on food and other necessities jumped by two times within several days in Melitopol. Occupation administration squeezes out Ukrainian Hryvnia. Many shops in occupied Zaporizka oblast do not work as they re-evaluate prices in UAH, in accordance with an exchange rate imposed by occupants.
The Center for Journalist Investigations was informed about it by local residents.
First of all, prices on food skyrocketed, by more than two times in some cases, as residents say.
“Eggs were sold at the central market in Melitopol at 90 UAH on Friday whereas you could buy them at 40 UAH several days ago. The price of sugar increased from 43 UAH to 90 UAH. One kilo of chicken thighs costs 235 UAH whereas their price was 150. Caramels were sold at 180 UAH, now their price is 300”, as Melitopol inhabitants inform.
Prices on basic necessities also increased. “I paid today 115 UAH for a pair of latex gloves and battery for my watch! The seller quickly changed all price tags”, as resident of village near Melitopol complained.
Residents of occupied territories believe that this rise in prices is caused by future exchange rate “UAH to Rubles” announced by occupation authorities.
“The seller in “Mere” shop told me that 1 UAH would equal 1 Ruble in October, that is why all shops re-evaluate their prices”, as Melitopol resident confirmed.
It should be reminded that Yevgen Balytsky, occupation “head” of Zaporizka oblast, signs the decree about decreasing the rate of Russian Ruble almost every month. The decree does not take into account the market rate or the rate established by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.
Today’s official exchange rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation is 14.9 Russian Rubles for 10 Ukrainian Hryvnias. Volodymyr Rogov, “the talking head” of fake “main council of the administration of Zaporizka oblast”, announced the cancellation of bi-currency zone at the end of September. He argued that Ukrainian Hryvnia was devaluating.
This administrative rise in prices of food and basic necessities is critical for many residents of the territories occupied by the Russian Federation. It is worse for those Ukrainians who do not get salaries in Rubles and do not receive Russian social assistance. They will be put on the edge of survival. Their situation is hardened by the ban on goods from Ukraine and by the restricted passage through Vasylivka checkpoint to the territory controlled by Ukraine.
This material is created under the support of the Council of Europe. The views expressed in the material are the responsibility of its authors; they may not reflect the official policy of the Council of Europe.
