Potato Panic in Russia: Prices Skyrocket, Putin Sounds the Alarm

It’s not just bad, it’s record-breaking.

Putin Admits the Spud Crisis Is Real

For once, it’s official: Vladimir Putin himself has confirmed Russia is facing a full-blown potato disaster.

At a televised meeting, the president acknowledged that potato prices have risen by 166% year-on-year, sending shockwaves through grocery bills across the country.

Belarus? Out of Potatoes Too

Looking for help, Putin turned to his closest ally, Belarus but came up empty.

President Lukashenko reportedly told Putin he had “sold everything” and had no reserves left, leaving Russia to fend for itself in the root vegetable emergency.

Prices Triple at the Wholesale Level

According to analysts, wholesale potato prices surged by over 285% in just one year.

Retail prices soared to over 100 rubles ($1.18) per kilogram in some areas, nearly eight times the global average.

Shortages Spark State Action

To calm growing unrest, the Russian government announced duty-free potato imports from “friendly countries” starting in January. 150,000 tons have been approved so far.

Meanwhile, regional governors like Kaliningrad’s Alexey Besprozvannykh have banned potato exports altogether.

Potatoes Are Just the Beginning

The potato shortage is only one part of a wider food inflation nightmare.

Dairy, fats, and other basics have all seen steep price increases, while Russia’s overall inflation rate hit 9.4% in 2024.

The central bank raised interest rates to a punishing 21%, but shoppers are still feeling the squeeze.

Propaganda vs. Reality: “Butter for Weapons?”

Amid growing criticism, the Kremlin denies that military spending is bleeding the food supply.

“We haven’t traded butter for weapons,” Putin insisted.

But many Russians believe the war effort is coming at the cost of their dinner plates, even if they’re afraid to say it out loud.

Putin Blames the West, Again

Despite the domestic disaster, Russian officials continue to blame “unfriendly countries” and sanctions for the price surge.

Dissent remains dangerous, with any criticism of the war potentially punishable by prison under laws banning the “discrediting” of the military.