Potato panic: Soaring prices in Russia and Belarus
In Belarus and Russia, potatoes have become a luxury item. The crisis caused by the shortage of these vegetables is forcing both countries to take urgent action. Alexander Lukashenko has issued an appeal to the nation.
What do you need to know?
- Potato crisis: Both Belarus and Russia are facing a severe potato shortage, resulting in significant price increases.
- Lukashenko's appeal: Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko emphasizes the need to increase potato production to meet the needs of both countries.
- Record prices: In Russia, potato prices jumped by 166.5 percent in May 2025 compared to the previous year.
In Belarus and Russia, the situation concerning potatoes is becoming increasingly urgent. Alexander Lukashenko stated that both countries must increase their production to meet the growing demand.
"We need to produce enough potatoes to provide for both Belarus and Russia," Lukashenko said, as quoted by the Belarusian agency BelTa. "WWe need to help our Russian kin people. And besides, we will earn good money from it," the leader emphasized.
Russia and Belarus's potato problem
Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Russia is contending with a potato shortage due to poor yields. The price increases are dramatic, and according to Rosstat, potato prices rose by 92 percent last year and by 166.5 percent in May 2025 compared to the same month in the previous year.
"It turns out we don't have enough potatoes," Putin stated, quoted by the "Moscow Times" portal. He added that Belarus has sold its entire supply to Russia.
In Belarus, residents have been complaining for months about the quality and availability of potatoes. Authorities in Minsk even allowed price increases for potatoes, cabbage, and onions in April. Lukashenko admitted that potato shortages are becoming a serious issue, and the situation has become a hot topic following Putin's jokes in the Kremlin.
