Russia`s newly appointed Minister of Transport, Andrey Nikitin, has stepped into his role facing a persistent and often-criticized issue: the notoriously high cost of bottled water at the nation`s airports. The minister pledged to tackle the problem during his confirmation hearing, responding to direct concerns raised by members of parliament.
The issue was forcefully articulated in the State Duma by Deputy Oleg Nilov, who colorfully likened entering an airport to encountering its “checkroom and buffets.” He lambasted the prices for food and drink at airports and railway stations as “outrageous.” For many weary travelers, the simple act of buying a bottle of water becomes an unexpected financial hurdle, with prices often soaring above 200 rubles for a mere 0.5-liter bottle.
Minister Nikitin acknowledged the validity of the deputy`s concerns. Without mincing words, he attributed the inflated costs to simple “greed,” a sentiment likely shared by countless passengers who feel hydration shouldn`t require taking out a small loan. He promised to engage in direct “dialogue” with the owners and operators of airport infrastructure to find a resolution.
“You know, greed never leads to anything good. And we, of course, will talk with our colleagues on this topic. We are all human, right? And today you are selling water, and tomorrow you find yourself in the very same situation – in another place where you cannot buy water at a normal price. I believe we lack dialogue here. We will absolutely build this dialogue with infrastructure owners.”
The problem of overpriced airport essentials is not new; it has been a target of criticism for years, notably by the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS). The FAS has initiated cases against airport retailers over unreasonable markups. For instance, at Vnukovo Airport, a retailer faced action when 0.5L water bottles were priced above 200 rubles. While the airport subsequently announced intentions to sell water at a reduced price (50 rubles domestically, or 0.5 Euro for international flights), many travelers report still finding only expensive options.
Despite the high prices, some airports are making efforts to offer more affordable or free alternatives. Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, and Domodedovo airports have installed free drinking fountains or coolers in various zones. However, accessing these free water sources can sometimes be a bit of a treasure hunt, with fountains occasionally located in less obvious places like children`s play areas, medical clinics, or lounges for passengers with reduced mobility. While some passengers have managed to find cheaper water or utilize free fountains, the general experience remains one of facing significantly inflated prices for basic necessities.
This pricing challenge isn`t limited to water; other beverages also carry hefty price tags that seem excessive even by restaurant standards. Minister Nikitin`s pledge to address this issue, brought into the spotlight during a high-profile parliamentary hearing, indicates a potential shift towards ensuring travelers can stay hydrated without feeling completely drained – at least financially.
