Potato statistic are pessimistic
Data from Russian statistical agency Rosstat show that the retail prices of potatoes in Russia rose by 92% last year and by 166.5% in 2025, making them the fastest costly product in the country.
The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that last year's yields were besides low and stocks were almost exhausted. In 2024 only 7.3 million tonnes of potatoes were collected, while the minimum national request was 8 million tonnes.
The decline in production is explained by droughts, frosts and another adverse weather events. presently Russia is mainly based on potato imports, primarily from Egypt, Pakistan and China. Vladimir Putin openly admitted on Tuesday that the country was struggling with their deficiency.
Belarus has opened up to Europe. He has to
Belarus in turn abolished the ban on imports of selected food products from alleged unfriendly countries, allowing for a fresh influx of European potatoes, onions and cabbages. The embargo on these goods was in force since January 2022.
Prime Minister Alaksandr Turczyn officially justified the change as a motion of openness, peaceful attitude and good neighbourly relations. However, independent sources propose that the decision can be dictated by the hard situation on the food marketplace in both Belarus and Russia. president Alaksandr Lukashenka was to admit in an interview with Vladimir Putin that the full surplus had already been sold to Russia, which is now pressing for deliveries of Belarusian potatoes. Meanwhile, Belarus itself has been struggling with shortcomings – for months there have been complaints about low quality and limited availability of potatoes in stores.
In April the authorities allowed increases in the prices of potatoes, onions and cabbages, and in May Lukashenko openly acknowledged that the shortages of these vegetables are a real problem.
A Cartofle in Morale
The higher price of potatoes can besides weaken the morale of average Russians. In Russia, potatoes have been considered basic, inexpensive and readily available food for years. At present, however, the sharp increase in prices is simply a crucial burden on the budgets of many households.
Vice-President of the State Duma Boris Czernyszov called for state intervention to stabilise the market, recalling that potatoes in Russia are frequently referred to as "second bread". In consequence to the worsening situation, any regions have already decided to ban exports of this product to safe local needs.
