In February 2025, Ukrainians should prepare for another increase in bread prices. Experts predict that the cost may increase by 3–5% in the near future, and by the end of the year, the overall price of bread is expected to increase by more than 20%. This was stated by Svitlana Cheremisina, a researcher at the Institute of Agrarian Economics, in her commentary to the media.
How much does bread cost now?
As of January 2025, the average cost of the main types of bread increased compared to last year:
- Wheat bread made from premium flour – 51.91 UAH/kg (+17.8% per year);
- Wheat bread made from first-grade flour – 42.52 UAH/kg (+19.0%);
- Rye bread – 45.12 UAH/kg (+20.6%);
- Loaf (500 g) – 27.78 UAH (+20.6%).
Monthly price increases of 1.5–3% have become the norm, and in December 2024–January 2025 alone, bread prices rose by another 1.8–3.1%, depending on the variety.
Why is bread getting more expensive?
The main reasons for the increase in the cost of bakery products remain:
- Rising prices for raw materials:
- Flour, as the main ingredient of bread, rose in price by 3.7% - to 19.93 UAH/kg .
- The price of sunflower oil increased by another 6%, to 72.73 UAH/kg .
- The price of sugar is stably high, at 33.16 UAH/kg (an increase of only 0.1%).
- Rising production costs:
- Rising prices for energy resources, in particular electricity and gas.
- Increase in the cost of transport services.
- Inflation:
The general level of inflation affects all stages of bread production and logistics. - Seasonal factors:
Bread consumption traditionally increases in winter, which increases demand and, accordingly, prices.
Analysts warn that the trend towards higher bread prices will continue throughout 2025. If the monthly price increase remains at 1.5–2%, by the end of the year bread will become even more expensive 15–20%.
This means that by December 2025, wheat bread made from high-grade flour could cost about 60–65 UAH/kg , and a loaf could exceed 33 UAH per 500 grams.
For many Ukrainians, bread is a staple food, and its price increase can significantly impact their budgets. This will be especially felt by low-income families.
Experts are calling on the government to pay attention to the situation and find ways to stabilize prices. At the same time, producers note that without state support, it will be impossible to avoid a rise in product prices.
