This year's preparations for the festive Christmas table will become more expensive for Ukrainians, as the average cost of 12 traditional dishes has increased to 1,188 hryvnias. This is 306 hryvnias or 22.7% more than in December last year, according to the study "Christmas Table Index" from the Office for Effective Governance (BRDO).

The most significant increase in prices was recorded for vegetables. In particular, cabbage rose by 221%, potatoes by 151%, and beets by 86%. Prices for key ingredients for making kuty also increased: wheat rose by 69%, raisins by 55%, and nuts by 35%. These products are an integral part of traditional Ukrainian dishes for Christmas.

At the same time, some products have become cheaper. In particular, buckwheat prices fell by 42%, carrots by 35%, tomato paste by 20%, and carp by 16%. However, the general increase in the price of the holiday basket prevails, creating an additional financial burden on households.

The increase in the cost of vegetables is explained by a number of factors. Among the main reasons are crop failure, drought, labor shortages, increased diesel prices, and logistics problems. The fighting, which hit the Kherson and Zaporizhia regions, traditionally leading suppliers of agricultural products, had a particular impact. The destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station caused a catastrophic loss of irrigation systems, leaving 94% of fields in Kherson, 74% in Zaporizhia, and 30% in Dnipropetrovsk regions without water. In total, about 5 million hectares of land lost their suitability for agricultural use.

"The sharp increase in prices for vegetables, which are the basis of many traditional dishes, has become a serious challenge for Ukrainian families. The lack of resources, caused by hostilities and climatic conditions, makes it difficult to access quality products. This affects not only the festive table, but also the general standard of living of the population," said Iryna Gruzynska, Head of the Agriculture Sector at BRDO.

Despite economic difficulties, Ukrainians maintain the tradition of preparing a 12-course Christmas table. However, this year it requires more careful budget planning and adaptation to new economic realities.