CNN Report (18th) – Due to factors such as a shortage of dairy products, Poland has recently been experiencing high prices, especially the soaring cost of butter products, which has sparked public dissatisfaction. To alleviate consumer pressure, the Polish government recently released 1,000 tons of reserve butter, vowing to “bring down the price of butter.” According to the media, the ability of Polish citizens to access “affordable butter” has become a hot topic, which may influence the upcoming national elections.
Auctioning Below Market Price
The Polish Government Strategic Reserves Agency (RARS) announced on the 17th that the 1,000 tons of reserve butter would be auctioned off at a price significantly lower than the market price. According to RARS, this frozen butter was specially reserved to “maintain normal economic operations and supply basic necessities to citizens.” The butter will be sold in batches to merchants, with each block weighing 25 kilograms, and the expected starting price set at 28.38 PLN per kilogram (about 7 USD).
The European Supermarket Magazine reported that due to outbreaks of cattle diseases and a reduction in milk supply, Europe is facing a dairy product shortage, with butter stocks reaching historic lows. The Financial Times mentioned that butter prices in the EU have surged by more than 40% this year. Although butter consumption makes up a relatively small portion of the daily diet in Poland, price increases in daily essentials still have a significant “psychological impact” on consumers, especially in a country with persistent inflation. As of November, Poland’s inflation rate stood at 4.7%, twice that of the Eurozone.
Polish journalist Aleksander wrote in Rzeczpospolita that reducing the price of butter by a little does not matter much; she would rather see prices of other essentials, such as electricity, come down.
“Preparing to Send Some Butter to Adam”
The latest issue about butter has become a hot topic in Poland in recent days. Earlier this month, Warsaw Mayor and 2025 Polish presidential candidate Rafał Trzaskowski publicly criticized Polish National Bank Governor Adam Glapiński for mismanaging the economic situation, which has led to uncontrollable inflation. Trzaskowski sarcastically remarked that since Glapiński had previously claimed that “Poland’s economy is successful,” he was ready to send some butter to him “to show him how successful the country’s economy is.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also called for Glapiński to resign, openly stating that he was a member of the opposition Law and Justice Party who had been placed in the central bank.
On the 10th of this month, Jarosław Kaczyński, Chairman of the Law and Justice Party and former Prime Minister of Poland, posted a photo on social media showing a block of butter placed in a safe, captioning it: “The serious situation the current government faces: inflation, high bills, and citizens forced into debt.” A recent opinion poll conducted by Rzeczpospolita revealed that Poles had differing views on who should be held responsible for the recent butter price hike. Over half of the respondents (52%) blamed Tusk, 20% held Glapiński accountable, and 14% pointed to Kaczyński. The remaining 14% believed that others were responsible for the situation.
Unique Strategic Reserves
Strategic reserves refer to materials that a country or region stockpiles in advance to prepare for possible emergencies, such as wars, natural disasters, or economic crises. These materials usually include, but are not limited to, energy, food, raw materials, military supplies, and medical goods. Countries often release oil or meat from their strategic reserves to stabilize the market. However, each country’s strategic reserves list reflects its unique national conditions.
Canada’s strategic reserves include its famous product—maple syrup. The province of Quebec is known for its large share of global maple syrup production. Reports indicate that the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers’ Association manages a global strategic reserve of about 100 million pounds of maple syrup. This reserve is often referred to as the “OPEC of maple syrup,” as it regulates global prices and supply. In 2021, Canada released approximately 50 million pounds of maple syrup from its strategic reserves to stabilize the market amid a supply shortage.
When it comes to helium, many may first think of helium balloons. However, helium plays an important role in the United States’ strategic reserves. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, by the end of 2021, the U.S. controlled about 35% of global helium resources, 71% of global helium stockpiles, and 48% of global helium production. Helium is critical in high-tech sectors such as medical imaging, aerospace engineering, and semiconductor manufacturing.
The UK also includes wine in its strategic reserves. According to the Financial Times, the British government maintains a strategic wine cellar, established after World War I to provide wine for official events. By April 2022, the 32,000 bottles in the cellar were valued at about £3.66 million.
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