Consumers in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, are voicing concern over a sharp increase in prices for tomatoes, cucumbers, and various fruits at local markets, despite official statistics indicating price stability.
According to the Consumer.uz community and Uzbekistan's State Statistics Committee, recent data suggest food prices are stable or declining. However, on the ground, prices have surged dramatically, particularly for basic produce:
- Tomatoes: 9,000–30,000 UZS/kg (€0.69 – €2.31/kg)
- Cucumbers: 9,000–25,000 UZS/kg (€0.69 – €1.92/kg)
- Peaches: up to 90,000 UZS/kg (~€6.92/kg)
- Pears, Lemons, Figs: around 100,000 UZS/kg (~€7.69/kg)
Vendors attribute the spike to extreme heat, limited water for irrigation, the end of early harvests, increased exports, and rising pensions.
Uzbekistan exported 4,828 tons of cucumbers from January to May 2025, representing a 25% increase from the same period in the previous year. Major destinations included:
- Russia: 2,130 tons
- Kyrgyzstan: 2,126 tons
- Kazakhstan: 541 tons
- UAE: 20 tons
Analysts suggest that the growing export demand is reducing domestic supply, contributing to local price hikes.
Source: upl.uz
