Price Increase for Borscht Vegetables in Ukraine
Ukrainians have been shown how the prices for borscht vegetables have changed over the past years.
As reported by 'Hvylya', according to the State Statistics Service, the pricing of borscht products was studied in an interview with the head of the agency, Arsen Makarchuk, on the '24' channel.
The prices for a traditional borscht set in Ukraine have increased from 7 hryvnias in 1997 to 185 hryvnias in 2025, which is an almost 26-fold increase.
Particularly significant price increases for borscht vegetables have been recorded since 2022. Cabbage has risen in price by 6.2%, onion by 19.5%, and beet by 15.6%. The highest price increase has been demonstrated by carrots, whose price has nearly doubled, as well as potatoes, which have risen by 2.7 times.
As of 2025, a kilogram of pork costs already 216.45 hryvnias, and sour cream (350 g) is 53.5 hryvnias, which is significantly different from the indicators of 1997.
'Data from the State Statistics Service regarding the consumer price index is calculated according to a methodology that is scientifically based and is unique for Eurostat. Moreover, it is verified and confirmed by Eurostat and the International Monetary Fund'
'If we take 3-5 key products, the inflation rate for them will differ significantly. The borscht set or the Big Mac Index are excellent indicators to confirm this thesis'
According to the head of the State Statistics Service, independent researchers use a limited methodology, focusing only on individual components. He believes that for an objective assessment of inflation, it is necessary to take into account a wide range of citizens' expenses, including not only products but also services that impact their daily lives.
The State Statistics Service does not distinguish between domestic and imported goods, including all positions in the calculations for consumer prices. This is an important condition for objectivity in assessing inflationary processes in the country.
Summary:
Ukrainians are being shown the increase in prices for borscht vegetables, especially cabbage, onion, beet, carrot, and potato. At the same time, inflation in the country affects the costs of other products, such as pork and sour cream. The head of the State Statistics Service emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to assessing inflationary processes, which will include citizens' expenses on various goods and services.