FAS submitted additional proposals on controlling the growth of fish prices to the Office of the President of the Russian Federation

Administrative barriers for supplying fish to the Russian shore should be removed.

FAS, jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture and members of an Inter-Departmental Working Group on drafting proposals aimed at developing the fisheries industry, presented additional measures to the President of Russia on limiting the growth of fish product prices.

In March 2017, the antimonopoly body submitted a report to the President of Russia, regarding measures designed to limit a growth of fish prices. FAS emphasized the importance of developing aquatic culture (fish breeding) in Russia and alternative trade procedures.

In FAS opinion, along with inspections verifying whether retail chains observe the law on trade, eliminating excessive administrative barriers when supplying fish to the Russian shore also is an additional efficient measure curtailing the growth of fish prices.

For example, fishing companies in the North-West Federal District face difficulties due to inability to obtain fishing permits in the electronic form. Vessels have to terminate fish catching, return to the ports, obtain a written permit and return back to the fishing area. The operational costs per vessel increase significantly.

Deputy Head of FAS Rachik Petrosyan explained: “Developing aquatic culture cumulatively with fishing products will increase the overall fish supply considerably.  Development of alternative trade procedures will shorten the chain between goods producers and end consumers, optimize and decrease logistical costs and intensify competition on the retail fish market. Eliminating administrative barriers will reduce the costs of fish products. These measures ultimately will decrease retail prices for consumers”.