Residents of Tura, a settlement in the Evenki district of Russia's Krasnoyarsk region, are facing food shortages and waiting in lines for hours outside shops. Local authorities have acknowledged that existing supplies are insufficient to meet demand, NGS24 reported on October 16.
Residents say that even after waiting for several hours, some people are unable to buy the food they need. At certain shops, lines continue into the late evening.
Prices vary substantially depending on how products are delivered. According to local authorities, a carton of 10 eggs flown in by private businesses at their own expense can cost between 550 and 900 rubles. When transportation is subsidized, the price does not exceed 130 rubles.
The Evenki district administration said approximately 50 metric tons of food had been delivered to northern settlements during September and October. However, supplies remain insufficient.
In October, authorities arranged special flights to deliver food to public institutions and residents. Several flights were delayed by bad weather.
Additional deliveries of potatoes, cabbage, onions, milk and eggs were scheduled for October 17–18. The administration is also considering further transportation subsidies to reduce food prices.
Supply problems developed after the Nizhnyaya Tunguska River became unusually shallow, bringing the river navigation season to an early end. Until winter roads open, remote settlements remain heavily dependent on air transportation for deliveries.
Russia's Investigative Committee previously opened a criminal investigation related to food supplies in the region.
Authorities acknowledge that additional deliveries are necessary, but supplies to Evenkia have not stopped completely: some products continue to arrive by air.