Residents of Russia are facing a drastic increase in food prices, with cucumbers becoming a symbol of this trend. Their price has doubled since December, reaching up to 1,500 rubles per kilogram in some regions. This situation, driven by war inflation, sanctions, and high greenhouse production costs, has forced retail chains to introduce sales limits. Meanwhile, in Poland, the frosty winter has stabilized supply, keeping prices of field vegetables at relatively low levels.

Record Prices in Russia

Cucumber prices in Russia have increased by over 100% since December, reaching up to 1,500 rubles per kilogram locally, making them a symbol of war inflation.

Poland Resilient to Increases

In Bronisze, prices of field vegetables are 35% lower than a year ago, despite a slowdown caused by frosty winter and lower fruit supply.

Pressure from Egyptian Imports

Imports of frozen strawberries from Egypt to the EU increased by 60% in 2025, threatening the position of Polish producers on the European market.

A sharp increase in prices of basic food products in Russia has sparked a wave of social discontent. Particularly painful price hikes have affected the vegetable market, where cucumbers have become a new symbol of soaring prices. Official data from Rosstat indicate a doubling of prices since December 2025, although unofficial reports from local markets mention rates reaching up to 1,500 rubles per kilogram. This situation has forced some retail chains to introduce purchase limits of up to 5 kg per person. Russian authorities attribute this to high greenhouse production costs and seasonality, but experts point to deeper causes, such as the weakening of the ruble and the consequences of economic sanctions. Historically, Russia has repeatedly faced food crises, including the so-called customs war with the EU after 2014, when following the annexation of Crimea, the Kremlin imposed an embargo on Western food, permanently changing the structure of Russian retail trade. In Poland, the situation on the wholesale market, including in Bronisze, looks different. The persistent winter weather has caused a temporary slowdown in trade, but stocks of field vegetables are high. Prices of domestic products are about 35% lower than in the same period last year. The first domestic greenhouse cucumbers are already appearing, priced at 35-37 zł/kg, which is a natural level for early vegetables. At the same time, the Polish frozen food market is feeling pressure from cheap imports from Egypt, which in 2025 increased its strawberry exports to the European Union by 60%, reaching a record 253,000 tons. Wage stabilization and rising energy costs are becoming key challenges for Polish retail trade in 2026. „Cucumbers have become a new delicacy rarity in our stores, affordable to fewer and fewer citizens.” — Sergei Mironov 40% — of income Russians spend on food Cucumber Prices in Russia (November 2025 vs February 2026): : → ; : → ; : → Warsaw (Bronisze): 37, Moscow (average): 15, Moscow (maximum): 70 „Price increases are solely due to seasonality and energy costs.” (Rosstat) — Official statistics omit the impact of sanctions on greenhouse production components and the decline in the ruble's value, which drastically increases the cost of importing seeds and fertilizers.

Mentioned People

  • Vyacheslav Zarutsky — YouTuber documenting the realities of life and prices in Russian stores during the ongoing war.
  • Sergei Mironov — Head of the A Just Russia faction in the State Duma, who criticized drastic food price increases.