Prices for vegetables and fruits in Ukraine have soared to record levels in 2024, and the situation is not expected to improve by the end of November.
This information was reported by 24 channel, citing the words of the researcher from the Institute of Agrarian Economics, Inna Salo.
The current agricultural season, impacted by abnormal heat and drought, along with global food inflation, has led to a sharp increase in the cost of the borscht set. According to data from the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, as of October 29, the price of potatoes has risen to 30.57 hryvnias per kilogram (+15%), carrots to 23.96 hryvnias (+27%), cabbage to 31.95 hryvnias (+10%), while onions have reached 17.94 hryvnias (+15%). Meanwhile, the price of beets has slightly decreased to 16.95 hryvnias (-3%).
The rise in prices is also influenced by the increase in electricity and fuel tariffs, which significantly raises the costs of transporting and storing products. According to the researcher, these factors will continue to dictate vegetable prices.
Forecasts for November 2024 are grim: vegetable prices may rise by another 15%. In particular, white cabbage could cost up to 35 hryvnias per kilogram, while onions may reach 20 hryvnias. Potatoes could hit a price of 34 hryvnias per kilogram.
As for fruits, apples may increase in price by up to 7% by the end of the month, costing around 34 hryvnias per kilogram, while grapes could reach 138 hryvnias per kilogram. High prices will also persist for imported fruits. It is expected that oranges, lemons, mandarins, and bananas will remain priced between 60-100 hryvnias per kilogram.