The cost of oranges on domestic shelves rose by almost a third. The main reason for the increase in prices was a marked reduction in imports of citrus fruits. It's not just a seasonal factor: in Turkey and Egypt, where most orange fruits come from, the year turned out poorly.

According to Rosstat, the average consumer price for 1 kg of oranges in July 2017 was 101.64 rubles. This is by 29.4% more than in July last year. Then you can buy 1 kg of citrus fruits on average for 78.52 rubles /, "Izvestia".

In parallel with the growth of prices, imports of fruit are declining. The Federal Customs Service reported that in the second quarter of this year, 64.4 thousand. Tons of oranges - this is 2.8 times less than in the first quarter (177.4 thousand. T). The most strongly sagged supplies from the main exporters. Import of round goods from Turkey fell seven times - from 22,5 thousand. T to 3,200. Tons. Egypt in April-June sent 2.8 times less to Russians than in January-March: 52 thousand. T against 147.8 thousand. Tons.

The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation confirmed that oranges have become scarce. But the agency does not directly link the growth of prices for these with this circumstance. The reasons for the rise in price of oranges minister officials could not specify.

Representatives of the industry say that it's all about cheating producers. Those exposed to importers such accounts that they simply refused to carry citrus fruits in Russia. Those oranges that still dokatyvayutsya before the counter, are exorbitant. In the National Trade Association, the increase in purchasing prices is attributed to a poor harvest in Turkish and Egyptian plantations.

"In late April, purchase prices in the segment of citrus significantly increased. As a result, importers massively reduced purchases of oranges, since such products became quite expensive for buyers, "said Dmitry Vostrikov, Executive Director of the Rusprodsoyuz Association.

The specialist also noted that in the summer months there was a traditional drop in demand for oranges. Consumers at this time of the year prefer seasonal fruits of domestic production. Oranges began to be bought in small batches. Basically, they are imported to order to maintain the range of retail chains.

According to Vostrikov, the reduction of prices for oranges should not be expected. Rather, the price will still rise. "In early autumn, the demand for these citrus fruits will remain low due to the large supply of domestic fruit of the new crop. But around October, consumers will start buying more oranges, as the assortment of new crop production will gradually decline. And then the price will go up, "- said the expert..

The president of the National Trade Association Vadim Zuykov agrees that by the end of the year citrus fruits will rise in price even more.

"It happens every time on the eve of the New Year. In December, consumers are beginning to actively buy oranges and tangerines for a holiday table. Therefore, one can hardly expect that citrus fruits will fall in price, "- said the specialist.

Earlier, experts of the Ministry of Economic Development predicted a sharp drop in prices for vegetables and fruits by early autumn. According to their calculations, seasonal goods can lose up to 80% of their value.