Vegetable prices are expected to double in Romania in March, because of bad weather and the forecast of a lower production this year. Demand will outstrip supply, which will force prices up, according to Cristian Rusu, director of the Vegetable and Fruits Producers Association Hortifruct.

“The affected area is reflected in the set up costs for the new production. A one-month delay on the production of Romanian vegetables is expected – lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers – and the increase in price will be of 100 percent. Importers already know we have problems, know about the damages and have started to put pressure on prices,” said Rusu. He believes once prices will go up, they will stay up during 2012.

Producers have struggled with the bad weather - greenhouses have been damaged and will require costly repairs, while freezing temperatures have killed planted seeds. Romania has 300 hectares of vegetable greenhouse, and over three quarters have been affected by the heavy snowfall mid-February.

The hike in vegetable prices comes after a rich year for Romania. Fruits and vegetable production in Romania was high in 2011, leading to enough oversupply and low prices. Many local producers started winter with unsold stock.