The price of onions on the Russian market has reached a historical maximum, exceeding 70 rubles per kilogram, according to Rosstat. The cost of onions rose to 73.3 rubles per kilogram in May this year.
As RBC writes with reference to its sources, even in May 2022, when there were significant disruptions in the supply of imported goods to Russia due to sanctions and logistical problems, the price of onions was 29% lower.
Experts attribute the rise in onion prices to unfavorable weather conditions in Central and Central Asia, where severe frosts affected the crop. The cold winter also led to spoiled vegetable stocks in warehouses.
In response to the situation, authorities in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan imposed a ban on onion exports to Russia. This had a significant impact on the market, as Russia is one of the largest consumers of onions in the region.
The reduction in supplies due to the ban has led to a shortage in the market and, as a consequence, to higher prices. Buyers are forced to pay a high price for this vegetable, which is an integral part of many dishes and is used in cooking everywhere.