Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the growing potato shortage in his country. During a television appearance, he spoke openly about the impact of disappointing yields and the resulting price increases.
"In recent days I have met with representatives of various business sectors, including agriculture. It turns out that we do not have enough potatoes," Putin said, adding that he had spoken with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who told him that everything has already been sold to Russia.
Export ban
In some regions, governments are already taking measures themselves. For example, the governor of the Kaliningrad region, Alexei Besprozvanny, banned the export of potatoes from the region last week. This was after local prices had risen sharply and shortages began to arise. In the meantime, many Russians are worried: the rising potato prices are hitting the wallets of almost every household. Potatoes are one of the staple foods in Russian cuisine and play an important role in national dishes. Due to the price increases of potatoes and other staple foods, it is becoming increasingly difficult for many families to put affordable meals on the table.
Record increases drive up potato prices
Lukashenko's press service had previously joked that Belarus had planted extra potatoes to meet Russian demand. However, Belarusians themselves have been complaining for months about the limited availability and poor quality of potatoes in the shops. The authorities in Minsk allowed price increases for potatoes, cabbage and onions in April. In early May, Lukashenko acknowledged that there was indeed a shortage.
Potato prices in Russia have skyrocketed in the past year. According to the Russian statistical agency Rosstat, trade prices rose by 92% last year. In May, the price increase was 166,5% compared to May last year. That is the highest price ever since statistics began in 2002. This makes potatoes the fastest-rising food product in Russia at the moment. Wholesale prices are also historically high. Figures from the agricultural statistics service AB-Center show that prices in early April were up by 285,5% compared to April last year, from 11,4 rubles (€0,13) to 42,4 rubles (€0,47) per kilo. That makes Russia the most expensive potato market in the world. For comparison: the average world market price is around €0,17 per kilo.
Price restrictions and imports eased
The crisis is due to a disappointing harvest in 2024, when Russia produced only 7,3 million tons of potatoes. A decrease of 1,2 million tons compared to the previous year. Causes include unexpected frost, prolonged drought and bad weather conditions in important growing regions. Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut estimates annual domestic demand at around 8 million tons, which is why the country is currently struggling with a structural deficit.
The Russian government is trying to turn the tide with measures such as allowing duty-free import of potatoes from so-called 'friendly countries'. Emergency solutions are also being considered, such as price restrictions. Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Boris Chernyshev is calling for temporary state control of potato prices in shops. "Potatoes are sometimes called the second bread," he wrote in a letter to Minister of Economic Development Maksim Reshtnikov. "Sharp price fluctuations in such a socially important product put a heavy burden on the budgets of millions of families."
With summer approaching, farmers are hoping for better weather conditions and a possible recovery in harvests, but experts say it could take months for the potato market situation to stabilise.