Milk Prices in Ukraine Rise Due to Logistics and Fuel Costs – Industry Association

In March 2026, milk prices in Ukraine experienced a significant increase driven by rising logistics costs, higher energy prices, and a surge in exports, according to the Association of Milk Producers (AMP). The association conducted a thorough analysis of the dairy market and reported these troubling trends.

According to AMP data, pasteurized milk with a fat content of up to 2.6% in packaging rose by 0.99 UAH, which is an increase of 2.1%, bringing its average price to 48.86 UAH per kilogram. Meanwhile, milk in plastic bottles increased by 0.93 UAH (+1.4%) and now costs 66.86 UAH per kilogram. The cheapest option in this category remains the 'Adalis' brand, available for 41.99 UAH per kilogram, while the most expensive options are 'Yagotynske' at 57.77 UAH per kilogram and 'Halychyna' at 72.73 UAH per kilogram.

As for kefir with a fat content of 2.5% in packaging, AMP reports that it now averages 58.52 UAH per kilogram, which is 1.62 UAH less than the previous month. Conversely, the price of kefir in plastic bottles has remained stable at 78.10 UAH per kilogram. Sour cream with a fat content of 15% in cups has increased by 0.72 UAH, reaching 190.59 UAH per kilogram, while drinking yogurt has seen a price increase of 3.5%, now costing an average of 124.35 UAH per kilogram. Curd cheese with a fat content of 9% has also risen by 1% and now costs 292.31 UAH per kilogram.

Domestic butter (72.5-73%) has seen a price increase of 2%, now costing 585.51 UAH per kilogram. Analysts noted that imported butter of the President brand is priced at 960 UAH per kilogram, which is 64% more expensive than Ukrainian products.

The price of 'Ukrainian' cheese (50%) has risen to 608.80 UAH per kilogram, while 'Dutch' cheese (45%) has increased to 610.05 UAH per kilogram, marking a 3.3% increase. The most significant price increase has been observed in 'Maasdam' cheese, which has surged by 6.6% and now costs 768.37 UAH per kilogram. Notably, imported counterparts of 'Maasdam' and 'Gouda' from the Kroon brand have proven to be 31% cheaper than domestic products.

AMP analysts attribute the rising costs of dairy products to the situation in the Persian Gulf, which has led to a spike in fuel prices and freight costs. They emphasized that these factors significantly impact the production costs of dairy products in Ukraine.

To improve the sales of domestically produced dairy products within the country, AMP is urging government support for Bill No. 6068-d, aimed at combating unfair trading practices in retail chains and implementing protective measures against the significantly increasing import of dairy products. "There is a need to counteract the gray import of dairy products into Ukraine. Food for humanitarian packages and other state purposes should be procured exclusively from domestic producers," emphasized AMP, highlighting the importance of supporting local producers in challenging economic conditions.