In Ukraine, the agricultural sector has observed a marked rise in onion prices, as reported by Tetyana Popovych, head of the marketing department at the "Shuvar" wholesale market. Comparatively, the cost of onions has escalated from 0.25 USD per kilogram to 0.35 USD within a year, marking a 38% increase. This surge is attributed to a confluence of factors including a subpar harvest due to adverse weather conditions, heightened costs for essential materials like fertilizers, fuel, and electricity, and the additional expenses brought on by the country's conflict situation affecting delivery and storage. Furthermore, a decrease in sown areas, prompted by economic uncertainties and a pivot towards alternative crops by some farmers, has contributed to the tightening supply.
Despite the price hike, onion demand remains steady in Ukraine, driven by its staple status in local cuisine. However, the increased costs have led consumers to seek more affordable alternatives, including imports or lower-quality onions. Experts anticipate a potential further escalation in prices until the spring when a new harvest could ameliorate the situation. Additionally, notable price increases have also been observed in other essential commodities such as sunflower oil, bread, and lard within the country.
Source: 112