Garlic prices have gone up by more than 30% as compared to the last year. According to analytics, this is related to the coronavirus outbreak in China, Izvestia daily reports.
In January, the consumer price index for garlic was 137 as compared to the same period last year, according to the Unified Interdepartmental Statistical Information System.
That is, garlic prices went up by 37% as compared to the last year. One kg of garlic currently costs RUR 212 ($3).
The Russian Federal Anti-Monopoly Service said they have not received information about the increased garlic prices. The service will react if it finds that companies tried to influence the prices.
The Russian National Horticultural Union said that it is difficult to explain why garlic prices are on the rise. Last year’s harvest was good. Russia imports a large share of garlic from China, but the purchase is usually made in the summer and then the garlic is stored during the year.
At the same time, it is possible that it the recent coronavirus outbreak is driving up garlic prices since Russians believe that garlic can boost immune function.