February 6 2006, 11:07

"Borsch" Vegetables are 2.7 Times More Expensive Than Last Year

Potatoes, carrots, red beets, cabbage and onions are almost three times more expensive for the end consumer this year than one year ago. This based on retail price monitoring conducted by the weekly journal "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits". Prices from early February 2006 increased dramatically when compared to the same period in 2005. For example: potato prices grew by 220%, cabbage 225%, onions 100%, carrots 185%, and red beets - 165%.

Vegetable price increases continue to grow rapidly. Since the end of December 2005 (when the prices were somewhat increased by holiday demand) potato prices have grown 30%, cabbage 38%, onions 24%, carrots 25% and red beets 47%. Even during the last week "borsch" vegetables increased in price more than 10%. Potato and onion prices are 5-7% higher than a week ago, cabbage and red beets have increased by 13-15%, and carrots are 20% more expensive now.