May 4 2006, 10:47

Potato prices decrease dramatically in Ukraine

The beginning of the harvesting season for new potato seems to be a long way off, but the prices are rapidly declining. Since early April the wholesale price decrease has been recorded about 20-35% depending from the region and the shipment peculiarities. Today the wholesalers from the central region of Ukraine purchase potato for $0.27-0.31/kg. Potato price seldom got lower $0.39/kg a month ago. Now the price has decreased down the level of $0.33-0.35/kg on Kyiv wholesale market; small potato shipments are sold in Lviv for not more than $0.31/kg.

The price decrease is caused by the significant supply growth performed mostly by Ukrainian enterprises which store potato. They understand that potato price can not grow before the season; so the enterprises try to get rid from potato stocks. At the same time, there are large imported potato supplies, of Belarusian origin in particular. Egyptian potato is also widely presented on market; still it is sold as early potato for a significantly higher price.