No need to stockpile extra food over warehouse strikes – agriculture minister

Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Taras Vysotsky has stated that there is no need for households to stockpile extra food due to Russian strikes on warehouse infrastructure. Vysotsky emphasized that no long-term food shortage is anticipated in Ukraine. He reiterated that it is crucial to maintain a minimum reserve, with no need for more than a month's supply.

While there may be delivery delays due to logistics restructuring, this does not pose a threat to food supply comparable to 2022. The recommended baseline stockpile of one month's consumption remains the standard guidance under wartime conditions, with specific contents depending on individual or family needs. The restructuring of logistics due to damaged warehouse infrastructure could result in a nationwide increase of about 2.5% in food prices, according to Vysotsky.

However, this is a general macroeconomic estimate across all food categories, with individual product prices potentially varying. In terms of domestic consumption versus exports, 70-80% of Ukraine's food production is consumed within the country, while 20-30% is exported. For grains and oilseeds, the ratio is reversed, with 25% consumed domestically and 75% exported.

Exports include cereals, frozen products, sugar, oil, dairy and meat products, eggs, and fruit such as grapes and apples. Vegetables for borscht are mostly for domestic consumption with minimal exports. Fish products, on the other hand, remain significantly import-dependent, accounting for over 80% of consumption. Nevertheless, Vysotsky noted that there is no expectation of a long-term shortage of imported goods, as logistics through border crossings continue to function and imports can be delivered directly to points of sale.