Prices for milk and dairy products rose sharply in Ukraine in September

In September 2026, the price of milk in Ukraine rose by an average of 10.58% compared to August, while the overall consumer price index for dairy products increased by 2.8%. According to the Ministry of Finance, among the main dairy products, the prices of drinking milk and sour milk cheese rose the most, increasing by 5.1%, while butter prices rose by 1.37% and kefir prices fell by 2.02%.

As of September 20, the weighted average purchase price of raw milk reached 15.40 UAH per kilogram excluding VAT, which is 65 kopecks more than in August, although this is 10% lower than the figures for September of last year. The Association of Milk Producers attributes the price increase to strong export demand, global price hikes for butter and powdered milk, a reduction in raw milk supply, and the destruction of retail chains’ distribution centers due to Russian shelling, which has complicated logistics and increased processors’ costs.

According to experts’ forecasts, the purchase price of raw milk may rise to 16–16.50 UAH per kilogram in October, and by the end of the year, large batches of extra-grade milk will reach 17–17.50 UAH per kilogram. Amid rising production and processing costs and logistical challenges, retail prices for dairy products on store shelves may increase by another 20–25%.

Source: Ministry of Finance data.

Fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate may affect the cost of a number of products in Ukrainian stores. Goods that Ukraine imports or produces from foreign raw materials are most at risk of becoming more expensive.

Ukraine has seen a rise in wholesale prices for domestically grown tomatoes. At the capital’s wholesale market, red, pink, and ground tomatoes have become more expensive. At the same time, prices in retail chains vary significantly depending on the type of product, region, and the availability of special promotional offers.