Russia Has a Potato Problem as Prices Hit Record: Supply Lines

Russia is being gripped by a potato crisis.

The price Russians pay for them has jumped to a record, climbing nearly 50% this year alone to mark the biggest increase of any tracked food, according to the Federal Statistics Service. That follows an almost doubling in prices in 2024 amid poor harvests.

That’s compounding food inflation and is more bad news for consumers. President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that inflation, which nearly topped 10% last year, is one of the few concerns he holds for the country’s economy, and in January called on authorities to react to the accelerated price gains.

With potatoes one of the nation’s most popular vegetables — Russia ranks among ...