Belarus and Russia face luxury potato dilemma amid shortages
In Belarus and Russia, potatoes have transformed into a luxury item. The crisis, stemming from the shortage of these vegetables, compels both countries to take urgent action. Alexander Lukashenko has issued a nationwide appeal.
- Potato crisis: Both Belarus and Russia are experiencing a severe potato shortage, resulting in rapid price rises.
- Lukashenko's appeal: Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko stresses the necessity to accelerate potato production to cater to both nations' needs.
- Record prices: In Russia, potato prices surged by 166.5 per cent in May 2025 compared to the previous year.
The potato situation in Belarus and Russia is growing increasingly tense. Alexander Lukashenko has highlighted the urgent need for both countries to boost production to satisfy the rising demand.
"We must produce enough potatoes to supply both Belarus and Russia," said Lukashenko, as reported by the Belarusian agency BelTa. "We must assist our Russian brothers. Besides, we will benefit financially from it," the leader noted, emphasizing: "If there's something we excel at, it’s growing potatoes."
The potato problem in Russia and Belarus
Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Russia is grappling with a potato shortage triggered by poor harvests. The price hikes are stark, with Rosstat reporting a 92 per cent increase last year, which further escalated to 166.5 per cent year-on-year by May 2025.
"It turns out we don't have enough potatoes," stated Putin, as quoted by the "Moscow Times" portal. He noted that Belarus has sold all its supply to Russia.
In Belarus, residents have been complaining for months about the quality and availability of potatoes. Authorities in Minsk sanctioned price increases for potatoes, cabbage, and onions as early as April. Lukashenko admitted that potato shortages are becoming a significant issue, which gained attention following Putin's jokes in the Kremlin.
