Inflation slows to 8% in Uzbekistan as food prices drop sharply

The Central Bank has published an infographic showing inflation indicators based on data from the National Statistics Committee.

In September, annual inflation in Uzbekistan stood at 8% – the lowest level since 2022. The share of goods in the consumer basket that increased in price by more than 10% over the year dropped significantly, from 265 items (52%) in 2022 and 73 items last month.

In the food segment, prices for 86% of products in the food basket – which includes 146 items – rose by less than 10%.

Among food products, the sharpest price increases were recorded for carrots (+57.5%), lemons (+52.5%), cottonseed oil (+35.9%), turnips (+30.8%), cabbage (+27.4%), and lamb (+26.8%). The steepest declines were seen in pumpkin (−59.2%), tomatoes (−31.5%), cucumbers (−30.7%), eggplants (−21%), peaches (−20.5%), and pomegranates (−20.4%).

In the non-food segment, the annual price growth for 96% of the non-food basket – which includes 241 items – remained below 10%. The largest increases were seen in wedding rings (+33.4%), methane gas (+30.6%), newspapers (+15.3%), gasoline (+11.8%), deodorants (+11%), and flowers (+10.9%).

Prices decreased for propane (−19.7%), A4 paper (−3.7%), and large kitchen appliances (−3.2%). The cost of syringes, school notebooks, and air conditioners remained roughly the same as last year.

In the services segment, prices rose by 10% or more for 44% of the basket, covering 40 service categories. The sharpest increases were seen in driving courses (+73.3%), domestic air travel (+57.3%), piped gas (+39.2%), cold water (+35.2%), museum services (+32.3%), and legal services (+29.1%).

Over the past year, only money transfer commission fees became cheaper (−2.5%). Prices for mobile internet, education at public universities, insurance, and microfinance services remained unchanged. The smallest increase was recorded in tuition fees at private universities (+0.2%).