The most problematic situation is with onions. In Ukraine, the wholesale price of onions is three times more expensive than last season. Oleksandr Khorev, head of the "APK-inform: vegetables and fruits" project, says that in the near future, the prices will rise by another 20%. In retail, taking into account further price increases, the maximum price tags in stores can amount to 3-5 euros per kilogram. That is, the speculative factor will also be activated.
Due to problems with the harvest in the southern regions of the country, onions were collected much less than usual this season. "35% of the supply of onions was traditionally provided by the Kherson region, which actually fell out of the country's vegetable balance due to the occupation," notes Khorev.
According to him, in the new season, many domestic farmers will expand the area under onions. But the main question is what will happen to the sowing in the Kherson region. Many areas are in the frontline zone, and the sowing campaign there will be difficult.
Some Asian countries, in particular Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, from where onions traditionally went to Europe and Ukraine, suspended exports due to the threat of a shortage in local markets. This is partly due to problems with the harvest, but to a greater extent to the increased demand for products from European wholesalers.
Ukraine is also supplied with onions from Poland and the Netherlands.
"The excitement will subside a little only in April when the new season will begin in the countries of Central Asia and from there the products will go to Europe, and then to us," the expert added.
"Most likely, in the new season, Ukraine will be dependent on the import of onions, and therefore, the prices for them will not be low", - concluded Khorev.
Source (Ukrainian): agronews.ua