(Ukraine) – Potato prices in Ukraine have increased significantly this week as trading activity has intensified and farmers have raised their wholesale prices to meet growing demand. The price rise is occurring as the winter holiday period approaches.
According to analysts at EastFruit, as reported by Ukrinform, farmers are currently selling potatoes for between 22 and 30 Ukrainian hryvnia per kilogram (0.53 to 0.72 US dollars per kilogram). This represents an average price increase of 22% compared to the previous week.
Market operators attribute the increased trading activity to greater interest from wholesale companies and retail chains, which have started stocking up for the winter holidays. This increased demand has contributed to the current price surge.
Experts suggest that further price increases in the potato market are possible. However, they do not anticipate a sharp, dramatic rise in prices. The market is expected to stabilise to some extent.
Currently, potatoes in Ukraine are being sold at an average price that is 85% higher than during the same period last year. This substantial year-on-year increase reflects the difficulties faced by potato producers this year.
EastFruit analysts explained that the significant price increase is due to reduced potato production in Ukraine this year. A key factor contributing to lower yields was the drought experienced in nearly all of Ukraine’s main potato-growing regions during the summer months. The prolonged period of dry weather has had a marked impact on crop yields.
As reported previously, food potato prices in Ukraine began to rise sharply in August due to strong demand from local wholesale companies and retail chains, combined with concerns about potential shortages. These concerns further exacerbated the price increases.
In September, Ukraine began importing potatoes from Poland and Lithuania to address rising demand and alleviate fears of a shortage of high-quality produce. This importation shows that the government is taking steps to maintain supplies.
| Metric | Current Figure | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Current Price Range | 22-30 UAH/kg (0.53-0.72 USD/kg) | |
| Week-on-Week Price Increase | 22% | |
| Year-on-Year Price Increase | 85% | Compared to the same period last year |
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