Global prices are surge-dealing a continuous spin in the global arena
In recent times, the cost of funeral services in Russia has been on the rise, with the average cost of a coffin and grave digging fees seeing a significant increase. According to data from Rosstat, the cost of digging a grave rose by 9% to 8.3 thousand rubles in June 2025, while the average cost of a coffin stood at 11.3 thousand rubles, an increase of 16% year-on-year.
These trends are attributed to the escalating costs of raw materials and higher wages for funeral professionals, including those working in crematoriums. The rise in costs is particularly pronounced in urban areas where living and operational costs are higher. This upward trend in costs is making traditional burial services less affordable for middle-class families.
However, there is a silver lining in the form of a growing preference for cremation in Russia. Cremation, which is often more cost-effective than full burial services, is becoming increasingly popular due to economic and environmental considerations. Cremation reduces expenses related to cemetery plots and grave digging, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Moreover, there is a growing interest in eco-friendly funerals, with authorities and consumers favouring cremation methods that minimise pollution and carbon emissions through the use of green crematoriums. This trend aligns with broader global moves towards sustainable and environmentally conscious death care practices.
Alexei Suyloev, president of the Association of Crematoria, notes that cremation, which is on average twice as cheap as burial in the ground, is becoming more popular. Daria Andrianova, the director of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor), has expressed concerns over the rising costs of funeral services, stating that they are unjustified and violate consumer rights.
Andrianova has announced that Rospotrebnadzor will conduct an inspection of funeral services providers to investigate price hikes. She has also urged consumers to report any suspected unjustified price hikes to Rospotrebnadzor. If price hikes are proven to be unjustified, providers could face fines and even suspension of their activities.
In conclusion, while funeral costs are rising in Russia due to material and labor cost increases, cremation is becoming more popular due to its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature. This shift is supported by government awareness efforts and consumer preferences evolving towards eco-friendly death care. Rospotrebnadzor is taking steps to ensure that funeral services providers comply with consumer protection laws and that any unjustified price hikes are investigated and addressed.
[1] Source: Various news articles and reports on the subject.
The increased costs in the industry, notably in the funeral services sector, are predominantly due to the escalating costs of raw materials and higher wages for professionals, including those in the crematorium field.
Cremation, considered more cost-effective compared to traditional burial services, is gaining popularity in Russia, driven by economic and environmental concerns.
