Watermelons and melons surge 31% and 26%
Prices for watermelons and melons in Russia rose by 31% and 26% respectively compared to the previous year, driven by increased production and transportation costs, as well as higher demand for pre-cut fruit. The average retail price for watermelons was 46.6 rubles per kg, and for melons, 106.9 rubles per kg in the third week of August 2026.
Consensus
- Watermelon prices in Russia increased by 31% compared to the previous year in mid-August 2026.
- Melon prices in Russia increased by 26% compared to the previous year in mid-August.
- The average retail price of watermelons was 46.6 Russian rubles per kilogram in the third week of August 2025.
- The average retail price of melons was 106.9 Russian rubles per kilogram in the same period.
- The price increase is attributed to higher production and transportation costs.
- Demand for pre-cut watermelons and melons has increased.
- The main regions for growing these fruits in Russia are Astrakhan, Volgograd, Orenburg, Krasnodar, Stavropol, and Dagestan.
- The share of Russian watermelons in large retail chains is about 80%, and Russian melons about 50%.
- The demand for these fruits remains stable this season.
Points of divergence
- The price increase is linked to fuel shortage, which raises transportation costs. — tg_paperpaper_ru
- From June 1 to August 10, 2026, the median retail price of watermelon was 87 rubles per kg (17% higher than the previous year), and melon was 144 rubles per kg (20% higher). — kommersant
- Russia imported watermelons from Georgia in July worth 766.5 thousand dollars, a record for bilateral trade. — vesti
Coverage (3 sources)
- Watermelons and melons have become more expensive, this may be related to fuel shortage — «Kommersant» — Бумага
- Watermelons and melons in Russia became more expensive by 26% and 31% relative to 2025 — Вести
- Watermelons and melons increased in price by 26% and 31% over the year — Коммерсантъ