In December inflation in Russia reached its highest since 2016, with rising costs hitting hard a population whose average monthly income is 40,402 rubles ($545). Adding to that, 43 percent of Russsians don't have any savings, according to a recent survey by recruitment website SuperJob. Karina Strukova, an engineer on maternity leave, says she stopped getting her groceries from the upmarket Vkusvill stores in favour of the low-cost chain Magnit. She says her family trying "to reduce spending a little as we have no other sources of income. We are buying fewer gifts and going to cheaper shops". IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES