Potato prices in Ukraine are expected to rise sharply this winter, reaching 50–55 UAH (US$1.30–1.45) per kilogram in supermarkets, according to analyst Maxim Hopka of the Ukrainian Agrarian Business Club. Currently, wholesale prices range from 19–22 UAH (US$0.50–0.57), while retail prices stand at 30–35 UAH (US$0.78–0.91) per kilogram, reports agronews.ua.
The increase is linked to drought conditions and compacted soil that limited harvesting in several regions. "This is not a second harvest. This is the first harvest that could not be fully collected due to the hard soil. This mainly concerns Central and Eastern Ukraine," Hopka explained. He added that even if the remaining potatoes are harvested, "I am not sure that the price will decrease significantly. Because we are entering a period where we are facing a historic increase in taxes, plus fuel is becoming more expensive, which will affect logistics, transportation to the end consumer, etc."
While onion supply remains stable and carrot availability fluctuates, vegetable prices overall have been rising. Hopka said the seasonal price decline expected for autumn did not occur because harvesting delays reduced supply. "Usually, at this time, there was maximum supply, and the price was much lower. And now some products are still being harvested," he said.
Hopka confirmed that potato prices have nearly doubled, rising by around 2.5 times compared to last year. "Currently, the average price of potatoes in the wholesale market is around 19–22 UAH per kilogram, and in supermarkets, it already ranges from 30–35 UAH. And this is just the first half of October. What will happen when winter comes?"
He also noted that higher storage costs are likely to put further pressure on prices for potatoes, onions, and carrots during the colder months. While potato storage capacity has improved, "it is a bit more complicated with other products (carrots, onions, cabbage)."
Demand for potatoes remains steady despite higher prices, as the crop remains a staple for many households. "Yes, it is affordable, but perhaps pasta will be a bit more affordable," Hopka said. However, he warned that tax increases and higher living costs could further strain consumer purchasing power.
Onions currently sell for around 15 UAH (US$0.39) per kilogram in wholesale markets, up from 10 UAH (US$0.26) last year. "With onions, I don't think there will be such problems; there is enough supply in the market. Carrots will fluctuate somewhere between onions and potatoes," Hopka concluded.
Source: AgroNews
