OREANDA-NEWS. Russians do not expect significant price increase in February according to the January report "Assessment of inflation expectations and consumer sentiment based on opinion polls" prepared by inFOM LLC for the Bank of Russia. As stated in the Bank of Russia comment, short-term inflation expectations decreased in January 2016, however, the share of the respondents expecting price increase this year remains relatively high.

In January Russians were less worried about increase in prices for important goods such as meat and poultry, drugs and pharmaceuticals, milk and dairy products, as well as vegetable oil. At the same time survey respondents more often stated that fruits, vegetables, cheese, sausages and pastry were becoming more expensive. Opinion poll also showed concern about increasing fares.

Consumer sentiment has not changed compared to the previous month. Tendency to make savings has remained: Russians prefer bank deposits to major purchases. Major spending is usually inevitable and is most often related to renovations and medical care. The survey also showed that people are much less enthusiastic about consumer loans since January 2016.

Moreover, people's expectations towards ruble exchange rate have improved compared to December 2015 - more people hope for ruble appreciation.