Potato prices in Russia have soared, nearly doubling in the past six months. Consumers first noticed the price increases in April, with some expressing concern over the rising cost of the staple vegetable.

As of recently, finding potatoes for less than 100 rubles per kilogram is now a challenge. At the Kolkhozny Market in Volgograd, a kilogram of potatoes is already being sold for 100 rubles. Despite the higher prices, vendors report that demand remains strong, with customers purchasing multiple kilograms at a time.

Farmers attribute the price increase to crop failures and adverse weather conditions, which led to a smaller potato harvest last year. The shortfall in domestic production has necessitated increased imports, adding to the cost due to transportation expenses. Some experts also point to a consumer crisis and uneven market distribution as contributing factors.

One farmer noted that the lack of competitive crops among domestic seed farms, which are inferior in both taste and agricultural qualities, contributes to the problem. Additionally, the cost of purchasing seeds has increased significantly due to difficulties in acquiring them through intermediaries.

An associate professor clarified that vegetable prices are expected to decrease by autumn, as new harvest products become available. The dependence of the domestic market on imports of popular agricultural crops is also a significant factor.

To stabilize potato prices in the long term, reducing the reliance on imported food potatoes is essential. Focusing on the domestic market and regulating domestic pricing policy can help address the issue.