REUTERS
The cost of the minimum essential food basket (MEFB) in Ukraine for the able-bodied citizens has dropped by 9% in July 2017 for the first time since the beginning of the year, to UAH 1,441, or US$56.2, which accounted for 84% of the subsistence level for this population category, according to the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry's website referring to NGO Economic Discussion Club.
Experts said that the cost reduction had been achieved at the expense of seasonal decline in the value of fruits and vegetables.
Thus, the value of goods in such groups as 'vegetables and melons' decreased by 37% (UAH 62), 'fruits and berries' – by 24% (UAH 50), potatoes – by 24% (UAH 19), as well as eggs – by 16% (UAH 3.5).
"Thus, the cost of the MEFB has decreased for the first time in July this year. In absolute terms, it dropped by UAH 124 [$4.8] in July from June 2017," reads the report.
Read alsoUkraine’s agri exports to EU increase by over 30%At the same time, the experts noted that such a substantial reduction in prices was unlikely to be expected in the coming months as seasonality became the major factor in the trend.
According to experts, the share of milk products in the cost of the MEFB has been the highest for the recent months, that is almost 28% or UAH 393. Meat products accounted for 24% or UAH 336, while the share of fruits was 11% or UAH 160. Eggs, as well as butter and vegetable oils accounted for 1.3% and 1.9%, respectively.