Prices for dairy products are on the rise in Ukraine. According to the press service of the Association of Milk Producers, retail prices for many products in this segment increased in November 2023.

Ukrainian stores recorded an increase in prices for pasteurized milk with a fat content of 2.5% to UAH 43.22 per kg, which is an increase of 3.68% compared to October and 11.95% compared to November 2022. Kefir with a fat content of 2.5% also went up in price, with the average price rising to UAH 54.03 per kg, an increase of 4.16% month-on-month and 6.61% year-on-year.

In January, sour cream with a fat content of 15% cost an average of UAH 120.59 per kg, an increase of 2.4% month-on-month and 13.06% year-on-year. Yogurt prices also increased, with plastic-bottled yogurt going up by 4.48% month-on-month and 11.02% year-on-year, costing an average of UAH 86.74 per kg.

In November, prices for cottage cheese with a fat content of 9% increased to UAH 195.99 per kg, an increase of 1.44% month-on-month and 6.54% year-on-year. Butter also rose in price, by an average of 2.4% monthly and 13.78% annually, costing UAH 364.69 per kg at the end of November.

Analyst Giorgi Kukhaleishvili points to possible reasons for the price increase, including a shortage of raw milk and rising production costs. The shortage of raw materials, as well as problems such as labor shortages and logistics costs, could affect long-term price increases. The ongoing strike by Polish transporters may also restrict the movement of dairy products, which could affect price dynamics.

Despite the difficulties, given the possible surpluses resulting from transportation restrictions, consumers can expect a temporary containment of price increases in the short term. However, changes in the seasonal use of heating costs may increase pressure on consumers, and it is difficult to predict how they will react to the rise in dairy prices.