The current potato harvest has decreased by 18% due to drought.
The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine denies the possibility of an increase in the price of potatoes to 50 hryvnia per kilogram.
This was reported by First Deputy Minister Taras Vysotsky, writes “Ukrinform”.
According to him, current prices are at the level 20 UAH/kg on the wholesale market and 30 UAH/kg in retail trade over the past two weeks. These characteristics already cover the cost of production and allow import operations.
“Despite the fact that this year's potato harvest has decreased by 18% due to drought, which is about 4 million tons, there is no reason for a significant increase in price,” Vysotsky assured.
Regarding imports, the deputy minister noted that Ukraine imports insignificant volumes of potatoes compared to domestic production.
“Several tens of thousands of tons of imported products are enough to stabilize the price situation on the market,” he explained.
At the same time, Vysotsky warned that a moderate increase in prices by about 15% is possible in the spring due to additional costs for storing products.
Recall that potato prices in Ukraine have almost tripled compared to last year. The cost of the vegetable reached 20-30 UAH/kg depending on the variety and quality.