The rise in vegetable prices in Ukraine has already become noticeable, and according to economic expert Oleg Pendzin, the trend will continue. In an exclusive commentary to Komersant ukrainskyi
, Pendzin said that prices for key vegetables such as onions, carrots, cabbage and potatoes have risen due to the drought, and further increases are inevitable.
“The price increase has already occurred for all these types of vegetables. The drought has already had an impact. And the growth will continue, they will not get cheaper for sure. There is nothing surprising here. Vegetables are rising in price and will continue to rise in price,” Penzin said.
According to the expert, onions and carrots have risen in price the most, while prices for cabbage remain relatively stable. As for potatoes, the harvesting process is still ongoing, and the final price will depend on its results.
Pendzin predicts that potatoes will rise in price by 15-20% by winter, not only because of the impact of weather conditions on the quality of the harvest, but also because of the potential reduction in its volume.
“We need to make purchases now for all four of these types of vegetables. After all, the current price level is the lowest. In the future, prices will only increase, and you should not expect them to decrease,” the expert advises.
He also adds that a decline in the quality of vegetables due to changing weather conditions is another factor that will affect market prices.
“Potatoes can add 15-20% by winter for sure. It is guaranteed. And the quality will definitely be worse, due to the changing weather. We are still waiting to see what the harvest volume will be – this will also affect the price. If it is worse, the price will be even higher,” the economic expert explained.
Oleg Pendzin drew special attention to onions, the price of which is very difficult to predict. According to him, the price of this vegetable has doubled in the past, which makes forecasts for its further growth rather uncertain.
Thus, Ukrainians should be prepared for an increase in vegetable prices in the autumn and winter, and, according to experts, it is better to make the necessary purchases in advance.