The price of pike caviar in the Astrakhan region is set to increase by about 40% this year, reaching around 5,000 rubles per kg due to a decrease in pike catches by industrial fishermen. This price hike, as explained by Andrei Markin of the Kaspriba Union, is attributed to reduced pike populations, further impacted by poaching and recreational fishing. From a price of 1,000 rubles per kg in 2019, the cost has escalated significantly, with a standard 112 g jar soon to cost between 550-600 rubles. Efforts are being made to cultivate pike in artificial conditions to counteract this decline and produce the first industrial batch of pike caviar in the coming years. Pike caviar, known for its rich nutritional value and considered a dietary product, has seen increased demand despite the rising costs.