Since the beginning of the war, the demand for salt has increased 40 times

Salt shelves in supermarkets are still empty in many places. However, the reason for this is not a real salt shortage or a problem with supplies, but an unfounded agitation, reports the LTV program “Panorama”.

Salt wholesalers estimate that since the beginning of the war, demand has increased not just several times, but even 40 times. It is this huge demand that has made it possible to find many types of salt in many stores.
Unlike the situation a month ago, when salt was found only on the highest shelves and at the highest price, the situation has changed. It is also possible to buy salt that costs less than a euro per kilogram.

However, this is not the case in all stores. For example, Latvian Television did not find coarse salt in the store on Tuesday. Salt wholesalers – Latvijas Sāls trading company – said that currently the biggest fuss is in retail. Ilmārs Krivads called the request insane: “For me, as salt traders, of course, this agitation is … well, it’s a terrible job for us. We work practically 24/7.

In the normal, say, rhythm, we delivered around 5, 10, 20 tons a week, now we have this quantity in a few days.

I think that, if not all, very many people currently have between 50 and 100 kilograms at home. How long do you think that will last? “

Krivads pointed out that the purchase price of salt has increased slightly, but not dramatically. Salt is currently purchased from Poland, Germany, Turkey, Italy, the Netherlands and Denmark. There is no shortage of salt in the world. And there is no shortage of salt for producers. For example, the fish processor “Karavela” uses about 700 tons of salt a year.

“We buy a relatively large amount of salt, and there are no problems with supplies. Belarus has stopped supplying. We have stopped cooperating. We are now buying from Germany. Salt used to cost 11 cents per kilogram, now costs 18 cents per kilogram.” “But now the price is absolutely everything. First of all, you need to eat less salt, it’s not healthy. Secondly, he makes up a very small part of our diet and expenses, so I don’t think it’s a terrible problem,” said Karavela. ”Member of the Board Andris Bite.

The wholesaler also stated that the increase in the price of salt is not significant when switching suppliers. The fact that some stores pay significantly more for salt is to blame for the huge demand. However, the situation should start to stabilize soon.

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