Recent data from Rosstat reveals alarming price surges for staple vegetables in Russia. As of May 12, 2025, onions cost 72.3 RUB/kg (an 87% increase year-over-year), while cabbage reached 75.2 RUB/kg (up 57%). Other “borscht set” vegetables saw more moderate changes—beetroots rose by 12%, tomatoes by 1%, while carrots saw a slight 0.2% drop.
Drought and Poor Harvest Drive Market Instability
The 2024 harvest saw a 5.6% decline in cabbage and a 0.7% drop in onions, with quality also deteriorating. The Potato Union attributes this to severe drought in the Volgograd region, a key production area. Retailers are struggling, selling these vegetables 5–13% below wholesale prices to maintain demand, according to the Association of Retail Companies.
Imports and Future Projections
To stabilize supply, Russia is increasing imports from Uzbekistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and China. Additionally, domestic planting areas are expected to expand. Analysts predict that price growth may slow by July 2025, when the new harvest begins.
Broader Impact: Potatoes Also Hit Record Highs
This follows another agricultural shock—potato prices surged 85.2% in early 2025, reaching 46.3–51.1 RUB/kg due to last year’s poor yields.
Russia’s vegetable market is under strain from climate challenges and supply shortages. While imports and expanded planting may ease prices later in 2025, farmers and policymakers must prioritize drought-resistant crops, improved irrigation, and strategic reserves to prevent future crises.
