Food prices in Ukraine set to rise due to Polish blockade

The cost of a basic food basket will increase after December 10 if the border blockade with Poland continues, stated Taras Vysotskyi, the First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food.

“If the strike continues throughout December, unfortunately, the Christmas food basket will be slightly more expensive. There won’t be price fluctuations for vegetables, but Ukraine imports bananas, citrus fruits, most seafood and fish. There’s no anticipation of a physical shortage because, albeit delayed, this produce does arrive. However, if a truck travels for an additional week or covers an extra thousand or two kilometers, it’s logical that logistics become more expensive,” he said.

Polish protesters have been blocking borders for the second month due to an unfair transit system. European officials have not acceded to their demands, while Polish authorities sympathize more with their protesters and pay little heed to the Ukrainian government’s grievances. Due to the blockade, Ukraine has already incurred several hundred million dollars in losses, according to various estimates.