No food shortages are predicted in Ukraine, but prices could rise by up to 20%

There is no reason to expect a shortage of products in Ukraine, despite reports of half-empty shelves in some stores. The main problem remains the complication of logistics due to Russian attacks on warehouses and logistics centers. At the same time, the price of some products may increase by 5–20% in the fall.

In some Ukrainian stores, buyers are indeed noticing a reduction in the assortment. In particular, they are sorting out groceries more quickly – certain types of cereals and flour. In household goods stores, household chemicals and cosmetics have also decreased in some places.

At the same time, there is no talk of a systemic shortage at the moment. The situation with the filling of shelves can change literally within a few days.

Why there were disruptions with goods

Experts call logistics problems one of the main reasons. Due to Russian attacks, retail chains have to change supply routes, look for new places to store products and switch to a more decentralized delivery system.

This increases the cost of transportation and other logistics services. Wholesale markets also note that it has become more difficult to find transport to transport products.

At the same time, the current increased demand is partly related to traditional seasonal purchases. In the fall, Ukrainians buy vegetables and other products in larger quantities for winter supplies.

Which products may increase in price

Currently, seasonal harvests are helping to hold down prices. However, due to additional logistics costs, products may increase in price by about 5%.

In the fall, the growth may be more significant for certain categories due to electricity costs and the need to ensure appropriate storage and transportation conditions.

In particular, experts predict a possible increase in price of:

meat products – up to about 10%;

cereals – by 10-15%;

certain other goods – up to 20%.

Dairy products, which require continuous cooling from the supplier to the store, may also be under pressure.

Do Ukrainians need to stock up

Experts see no reason for panic buying. The temporary absence of certain items on the shelves is primarily due to the restructuring of logistics, and not to a shortage of products in the country.

Ukrainians are advised to have a stock of products for several weeks if necessary, but it is not worth buying goods en masse. Panic demand, on the contrary, can quickly empty shelves and create additional pressure on prices.