The winter season is traditionally accompanied by an increase in prices for certain categories of products, especially those that are not produced in the cold season, but are stored in warehouses. The situation is significantly influenced by both the seasonal factor and the economic realities of wartime.
As the Deputy Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, Denys Marchuk, noted, the recent drop in prices for carrots and onions is caused by the spoilage of vegetables. Farmers are forced to mass sell their products to avoid losses. However, the situation is temporary - already in February, a shortage of these vegetables is possible, which will lead to an increase in prices. Only with the appearance of early vegetables in the open ground can we expect stabilization of prices.
Prices for dairy products traditionally rise in winter due to a decrease in milk production. However, the key factor this year was the active increase in the export of extra-class milk produced by large farms. Competition in the domestic market contributes to the further increase in the cost of milk, which is felt in the increase in prices for dairy products.
The egg market is showing a decline in prices due to increased production, which has reached pre-war levels. Demand for this product, however, has declined due to population decline. According to the expert, a partial reduction in the price of eggs is expected closer to spring.
The price of pork and beef remains relatively stable. Pork may be slightly cheaper during Lent due to reduced demand, but prices will go up again before the holidays. At the same time, beef remains expensive — more than 300 hryvnias per kilogram — and its demand remains low.
According to the State Statistics Service, in December 2024, wholesale prices of manufacturers of industrial products increased by 27.6% compared to December 2023. In the food industry, the growth was 21%, and prices on the domestic market rose by 18.6%, and for export - by 32%.
