Ecuador: Potato prices rise in Riobamba markets
In Riobamba, the price of potatoes is generating divided opinions among merchants at the Mayorista market and the San Alfonso market.

Some vendors claim that potato prices have risen due to external factors such as the national strike and difficulties in transporting agricultural products.
Other traders believe that prices have remained stable in recent weeks, with no significant changes in the local market trend.
The cost of potatoes according to the markets
Delia Bashin, a merchant at the Wholesale Market, explained that prices vary according to the quality of the product offered to the consumer.
"We’re selling the pair for $20, the small ear for $22 and $23, but the owners are coming in asking for a higher price." Delia Bashin
According to Bashin, the white or perichola potato can be found for as much as $15, although the higher prices are due to speculation by some producers.
The trader pointed out that some farmers are using the protests as a pretext to justify price increases.
Even the presence of the authorities was necessary to control market speculation and ensure stability in trade.
San Alfonso Market Outlook on Potato Prices
Ana Ocaña, a merchant at the San Alfonso market, held a different view, stating that potato prices have remained stable for weeks.
"It already rose slightly a few weeks ago, but it’s holding steady now. It’s not because of the strike or fuel shortages, but because of low production." Ana Ocaña
Ocaña stated that stability does not depend on unemployment or fuel shortages, but rather on lower productivity, as agricultural land is depleted.
He also explained that the origin of the product directly influences the final price consumers pay in the markets.
Potatoes from Guaranda, Quimia, or San Andrés maintain regular prices, while those from the north do face import problems.
Factors that influence the cost of potatoes
Social protests have hampered the transportation of potatoes from certain provinces, leading to an increase in prices at some distribution points.
At the same time, the reduced agricultural supply and speculation by some producers create an environment of uncertainty in local markets.
This situation means that the cost of potatoes does not depend on a single cause, but on multiple combined economic and social factors.
Elements that influence the price of potatoes
- Quality of the agricultural product.
- Production level on exhausted land.
- Transportation difficulties due to the national strike.
- Speculation by some producers.
- Origin of potatoes according to region.
Impact on consumers and family economy
For Ribamba consumers, the consequences are clear: a market with unstable prices that directly affect family finances.
The disparity in opinions among merchants reflects the complex nature of the situation, which depends on more than one structural element.
The cost of potatoes will continue to be a topic of debate as supply, demand, transportation, and speculation factors combine in the local market.
More information on the agricultural impact can be found at the EMMPA wholesale market or at the Ministry of Agriculture .
Answers to your questions
What is the cost of potatoes? Prices range from $15 to $30, depending on quality, origin, and market conditions in Riobamba.
Why did the price of potatoes rise? The increase is due to complicated transportation, speculation, and low agricultural production in several provinces across the country.
Is the price holding steady? Some traders report stability over the past three weeks, while others report significant increases.
What factors have the greatest influence? Quality, origin, speculation, transportation, and production level determine the price of potatoes in local markets.
Fuente: Traducido por Argenpapa de : laprensa.com.ec