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Food prices in Ukraine are expected to rise further by the end of autumn, with some products potentially becoming up to 20% more expensive. Dairy products, vegetables and bread are among the categories likely to be affected, according to Denys Marchuk, deputy head of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, cited by TSN.
The main factors driving the increases are seasonal costs and growing expenses for backup power supplies. Marchuk estimates that prices for many food products could rise by around 10%, while increases in some categories could reach 20%.
Seasonal factors
Vegetables are particularly vulnerable to price increases as harvested produce is placed in long-term storage. As temperatures fall, producers face additional storage costs. Ukraine also begins importing some products, increasing supply expenses.
Bread prices could rise as well. Marchuk estimates that bakery products may become another 6–10% more expensive by the end of the year.
Energy costs
As Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy system intensify, food manufacturers are increasingly relying on alternative power sources.
Diesel generators keep production facilities, processing plants and shops operating during power outages, but they require substantial spending on fuel and maintenance. Some of these additional costs may ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher retail prices.
Shorter daylight hours also increase energy demand, adding to businesses’ expenses during the autumn and winter months. Companies that need to maintain continuous production or keep food in storage face particularly high costs.
Meanwhile, a report by the Ukraine Facility Platform (UAFP) warned that the winter of 2026–2027 could be more difficult for Ukrainians than the previous four winters. Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure have intensified, while Ukraine has not adequately prepared to mitigate their effects, the report said.
The analysis also identified government preparation failures that it said had worsened the provision of essential services to the public.
