Le Monde: Potato Shortage Causes Discontent In Belarus

Even the French are concerned.

In Belarus, there is a serious shortage of potatoes, a product of almost symbolic importance for the country. According to the French edition Le Monde, the reason lies in the state regulation of prices, which makes it unprofitable to sell potatoes inside the country. Producers massively export the crop to Russia, where prices are much higher.

In recent months, Belarusians complain that they can't find potatoes in stores, although this vegetable is a staple in the daily diet. Since the beginning of the year, prices have increased by 10% and reached Br5 per kilogram (about €1.36). The quality of the available potatoes is poor - they are small, damaged, and often spoiled.

The problem is particularly resonant because potatoes are considered part of the national identity in Belarus. In 2015, Alexander Lukashenko himself, who has been in power since 1994, was filmed during the harvest.

The shortage caused such outrage that Lukashenko mentioned it publicly before visiting Moscow for a parade. He said the reason was massive exports to Russia and complained that citizens wanted to buy cheap potatoes while farmers sought a higher price to be able to buy fertilizer and plant faster.

Analysts believe the main cause of the problem is the state's fixed prices. According to the decree, the increase in the cost of potatoes cannot exceed 3% per year, but this does not correspond to reality: everything is becoming more expensive - seeds, fuel, fertilizers, and wages are rising. Producers are not profitable to sell the vegetable in the domestic market, so they focus on exports to Russia, where the price is almost twice as high.

In 2024, Belarus became the largest exporter of potatoes to Russia. According to the UN platform Comtrade, the volume of shipments grew by more than 60% and reached a record 170 thousand tons.

In March, the Belarusian government introduced a three-month regime of one-time export licenses for potatoes. Meanwhile, in Russia, prices for this vegetable are also growing rapidly - by almost 50% since the beginning of the year, according to official statistics.

In Belarus itself, the situation is aggravating. In February, Lukashenko publicly criticized officials for their failure to stop the rise in potato prices. "You didn't do it - you will answer," he said. He also expressed indignation that the country failed to ensure the storage of the harvest, although he had previously given the relevant instructions.

Citizens complain en masse about the shortage and poor quality of potatoes. Lukashenko urged to "endure" and promised that the situation would soon change. "We'll endure for a month. But we won't be left without potatoes," he assured.

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