April 9 2008, 10:31

Ukraine: Estimation of "fruit & vegetable" inflation level in March and forecast for April

The specialists of "Fruit-Inform" weekly inform, during the recent 30 days the prices for the major fruits and vegetables have increased almost 15% in Ukraine. The experts conducted the evaluation on the basis of the own daily monitoring of the wholesale prices with the account of the consumption levels of the products purchased in the retail chains.

The prices for potato and vegetables have increased the most vividly since the previous month - now these products are 17% as more expensive. The main reason is the reduced stocks on the background of the same high consumption. Cabbage was the recognized leader of the price increase - the price for this product has more than doubled. The prices for potato and table beet also significantly increased. At the same time, the prices for greenhouse vegetables and fresh herbs declined a little.

The fruits have increased 9% in price since the previous month. The consumption of fruits continued declining because of the record high prices. The fruits were unaffordable for many consumers with the lower than average income level.

The forecast for the next month is still disappointing for Ukrainian consumers. Despite of the possible decline of the price growth rates in April, the fruit prices may increase on another 3%, the vegetable prices - on 8%, according to estimations of "Fruit-Inform" analysts. The general price increase for Ukrainian "fruit & vegetable basket" will amount to 7% in April. The price decline for vegetables and fruits may take place in May when the bulk shipments of early products will start to enter the market.