Ukrainians have been warned about the sharp rise in seasonal fruit and vegetable prices.

It is anticipated that by autumn of this year, prices for seasonal fruits and vegetables in Ukraine will rise significantly. Cherries, strawberries, cherries, apricots, peaches, and plums may increase by 20-30 percent compared to last year. Spring frost has severely damaged the yield of fruit crops and is the main reason for the upcoming price increase. Additionally, by summer, prices for early vegetables, particularly potatoes and zucchini, may rise by 10-20 percent.

'Early vegetables, rapeseed, and the berry-fruit group were most affected by spring bad weather,' local farmers report.

Night ground frosts lasted from two to five days and occurred practically throughout the Lviv region. The combination of this phenomenon with high humidity created negative conditions for the development of agricultural crops. Producers of strawberries in some fields lost up to 50% of their harvest.

Impact of factors on prices

Even during the mass harvest, prices will remain higher than usual. Unfavorable weather conditions, rising production costs, and employee wages affect the final cost of products. These factors complicate farmers' ability to maintain acceptable price levels. Although some crops have a chance for normal development, the situation with early vegetables has already become problematic. The increase in fruit and vegetable prices will affect the standard of living for consumers and the operations of agricultural enterprises, reducing profits from product sales. After the spring frosts, significant price increases for seasonal fruits and vegetables are predicted in Ukraine. Early vegetables and fruits may also rise in price due to crop damage from adverse weather conditions. Farmers are already warning of possible price increases for products, which could impact consumer activity levels.