Potato Prices Double in Ukraine: War and Domestic Production Drive Up Costs

Potato Prices Double in Ukraine Amidst Domestic Market Shift Cherkasy, Ukraine – June 5, 2025 – The price of young potatoes in Ukraine has doubled in the past month, rising from 45 hryvnias to an average of 90 hryvnias per kilogram. This price surge is impacting consumers and vendors alike, as reported by Suspilne Cherkasy in a recent video report. Economist Oleh Pendzin explains the increase is primarily due to the influx of domestically grown potatoes. Unlike imported potatoes, these are cultivated in non-open ground conditions, leading to higher production costs. This increase is felt across the country, but Suspilne Cherkasy focused its report on the Cherkasy central market. Larisa Gurenko, a vendor at the market, confirmed the price increase, stating, "Potatoes are 50 and 90 hryvnias per kilogram." Another vendor, Yulia Lemishko, noted the low yield as a contributing factor: "The harvest was small, and it's still small, so they dig a little and sell a little." Meanwhile, a shopper, Oleksandr Kryzhanivskyi, commented on the broader price increases, saying, "Everything has become very expensive now, but what can you do?" Despite the challenges, the report ends on a note of resilience, with pensioner Nina Kosun buying potatoes at a reduced price and stating, "We are pensioners, we save money. There is a war, we will endure everything, as long as there is peace." The report highlights the economic impact of the war and the challenges faced by Ukrainians in navigating rising food prices.