Ukraine is experiencing a serious pork shortage due to an outbreak of African swine fever

Ukraine is facing a serious pork shortage due to an outbreak of African swine fever.

The most difficult situation has developed in Kharkiv, where meat prices have jumped by 50%. In some stores, customers are being offered only offal — tails, ears, and feet.

“I came to the store, and there’s no pork,” a shopper complains in a video showing empty meat counters.

Instead of the usual cuts of meat, only scraps remain, which has caused dissatisfaction among the population. The authorities confirm supply problems due to the mass slaughter of livestock.

The situation is being worsened by rising prices for other products. In Kharkiv region, vegetables have gone up by 11.5%, as have eggs and telecommunications services. A shortage of buckwheat and seasonal berries is also being felt because of a lack of workers in the fields — many have left for Europe in search of better pay.

European practice offers unexpected solutions. The European Commission has approved the use of mealworms, crickets, and locusts in the food industry as sources of protein.

The French company Nutri’Earth is already producing powder from mealworm larvae to be added to food products. Four species of edible insects have been registered in the EU.

Experts predict further price increases if supply problems continue. Imports may partially offset the shortage, but will not solve the problem completely. Residents are being urged to plan their purchases in advance.