Australian potatoes have doubled in price over the past four weeks - and there are two reasons why

There are some common ingredients Aussies can always rely on to be affordable, easy ways to bulk up family meals during the continuing cost of living crisis.

These are such things as rice, pasta... and usually, potatoes.

However, over the last four weeks alone Australian potatoes have doubled in price, and it hasn't gone unnoticed by shoppers.

There are two reasons for this.

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The first reason is the same adverse weather conditions that have been impacting Aussie crops for much of 2025.

The second reason is due to a virus called potato mop-top virus, which poses no risk to human health but can distort the skin and flesh of potatoes thus significantly impacting the yield for famers.

Anton van den Berg, from Box Divvy – an app that connects people directly with farmers and food producers – spoke about the price changes with nine.com.au.

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"We are now paying around $3 per kilo for washed potatoes which are normally $1.20 to $1.50, and $1.20 to $1.70 per kilo for brushed potatoes which are normally around $1 per kilo," he said.

"We've been told that it's a gap between growing regions or seasons. New season spuds from Queensland will start arriving from early October, which should ease prices somewhat. New South Wales crops are also trickling in.

"However, Queensland and NSW account for less than 15 per cent of the national potato crop. South Australia is by far the biggest supplier at around 40 per cent, and new season crops won't arrive until December."

Of the potato mop-top virus, van den Berg says as far as he knows "the virus has only been detected in Tasmania".

"As a result, several mainland states (incl NSW) are imposing import restrictions on Tasmanian potatoes," he adds.

"That has had a big impact on current supplies, as Tasmania accounts for around one quarter of the national crop – especially in winter and early Spring."

Supermarket shoppers have been seeing the potato price creep over the past few weeks, with Coles posting signs informing customers of the current situation.

Some Coles potatoes are showing "more markings than usual".

"Rest assured, it only affects the outer skin layer, with no impact to the deliciousness of our Coles Creme Gold, Carisma, Washed or Coles I'm Perfect Potatoes," the store says.

Another sign explains that due to "recent extreme weather across key growing regions, there is limited availability of Washed Potatoes 2kg and Creme Gold Potatoes Loose.

"Product may also appear darker in colour which is a natural occurrence and does not impact the taste of this product.

"We are working closely with our suppliers to improve supply as quickly as possible."

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The most affordable potatoes currently on sale at Coles, as per current prices listed on their website, are Red Royale Washed Potatoes for $2.75 per kilo.

Woolies are not listing a per kilo sales price for their potatoes on their website, and have listed White Washed Potatoes and Red Washed Potatoes for $0.85 each.

Aldi has White Potatoes for $2.37 each.

At Box Divvy works directly with Aussie farmers and typically sells produce on average for up to 30 per cent less than at supermarkets.

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