Maxim Hopka, an analyst at the Ukrainian Agrarian Business Club, cited three reasons for the rise in vegetable prices in Ukraine.
Firstly, there was a reduction in the sowing area last year, as some of Ukraine's major vegetable producers were occupied or constantly shelled by Russian invaders.
Secondly, the cost of imported products has increased, and there is also a supply and demand imbalance in the global market, which affects prices. Almost 90% of some products are imported in spring, and a significant proportion of products on the market are usually imported.
Thirdly: an increase in the cost of production due to the rising prices for fuel and lubricants, fertilizers, certain types of seeds, gas and electricity.
Vegetable and green prices are generally justified because the economic situation in Ukraine is quite complicated, and vegetable production is now problematic. The analyst predicts a decrease in onion prices from mid-May, and cucumber and tomato prices will decrease in early summer.
source (Ukrainian): nrcu.gov.ua