The cost of coffins in Russia has increased by more than 50% since 2022 – Kommersant

According to Rosstat, in the period from January 2022 to April 2023, the cost of cremation increased by 36%, from 21 thousand to 28.7 thousand. Digging a grave increased in price by 13%, to 8.8 thousand rubles, production of a coffin – by 52%, up to 7.7 thousand rubles. The materials of the statistical department leads “Russian newspaper”.

Vladimir Rodkin, deputy chairman of the funeral commission of the Public Council under the Ministry of Construction, told the publication that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of funerals in Russia has increased by about 30%. Now the funeral will cost about 120 thousand rubles, cremation – 50 thousand rubles.

As the reason for the rise in prices for funeral services, Mr. Rodkin pointed to a significant rise in the price of lumber over the past two or three years. Despite rising prices, the revenue of companies specializing in funeral services grew by only 5% last year, says Elena Elsaliyeva, general director of Funeral Home No. 1.

Ms. Elsaliyeva also drew attention to the fact that, in accordance with Russian law, when paying for burial at their own expense, citizens can return part of the money by receiving compensation from the state. From February 1, 2023, the size of the federal funeral allowance is 7,793 rubles. In addition, there are increased benefits and city supplements to the allowance. Yes, in Moscow since February, compensation is equal to 21.7 thousand rubles, in St. Petersburg – 12.4 thousand rubles.

Milena Kostereva