Mandarins, lemons, and feijoa prices have sharply risen in the Krasnodar region this year, leaving buyers perplexed as the previous autumn was significantly cheaper. Journalists explored Krasnodar's markets, discovering strategies to save on mandarin purchases. Street vendors offer fresh fruits for 2,3 EUR, while mandarins with green leaves cost 4.5 EUR. Fruits with green peel are available for 1.5 EUR, considered less popular.
This year, fewer fruits are imported from Turkey, and some citrus shipments were rejected due to quarantine. The presence of quarantine insects in certain batches prevented their import into Russia.
In neighbouring Abkhazia, a less-than-ideal citrus harvest due to prolonged drought affects prices. Abkhazia's mandarins in the resort centre cost 2.01 EUR per kilogram, higher than the 1.2–2.5 EUR at the Sochi border. Experienced buyers recommend purchasing from street vendors, especially early in the morning or before closing, when sellers may offer perishable products at 20-30% below the listed price.
Lemons are pricier at 2.5 EUR, and prices have also increased for feijoa (3.32 EUR at markets, 4 EUR in stores) and figs (3.5 EUR).
source: livekuban.ru