Bulgarian greenhouse producers warn of rising vegetable prices

Greenhouse producers in Bulgaria are warning of imminent price increases for vegetables, specifically tomatoes and cucumbers, driven by rising production costs. Key factors contributing to the surge include increased expenses for heating, fuel, and fertilizers.

Producers report that energy costs have risen by approximately 30-40%. For instance, the cost of pellets used for heating has increased from 1.60 euro cents to between 2.20 and 2.40 euro cents. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and complications regarding commercial shipping in the Black Sea have driven up the prices of imported fertilizers and chemicals.

There are also concerns regarding significant markups between wholesale and retail prices. While wholesale prices for cucumbers may be around 1.20 to 2.20 euro per kilogram, retail prices can reach up to 2.80 euro per kilogram. Producers attribute these discrepancies to middlemen and activities within the informal economy.