Sharp drop in sunflower oil production in Russia: How war is involved
Illustrative photo: Russia is producing less sunflower oil (Russian media)
Sunflower oil production in Russia has sharply declined. Prices for most food products are also rising there, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation on Telegram.
The Center for Countering Disinformation noted that sunflower oil production fell by 11% in August alone. Production of other vegetable oils is also declining.
"In the context of enormous expenses on the war against Ukraine, sanctions, and declining output in other sectors, the production of many types of agricultural products is becoming unprofitable, leading to bankruptcies and factory closures," the Center explained.
In particular, losses at oil-processing plants have reached 20%, causing many of them to halt operations.
At the same time, the Russian government is being forced to increase imports of oil, potatoes, and other products.
Propagandists try to hide the real state of the Russian economy, claiming "stable development in the current geopolitical realities." However, the economic decline is becoming increasingly noticeable to most Russians.
Fuel crisis in Russia
Russia is also facing a fuel crisis amid precise strikes by Ukrainian defenders on Russian oil refineries.
These strikes have caused Russia to temporarily lose at least 17% of its refining capacity.
Just last week, the Russian authorities extended the ban on gasoline exports.
