According to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, prices for alcohol and tobacco products have increased by 1.6%, while food and non-alcoholic beverages have risen by 1%. However, there is good news as the cost of some products has decreased. Notably, cottonseed oil, buckwheat, animal fats, sugar, and mutton have seen price reductions.
In January-February 2024, consumer prices and tariffs increased in all regions except for Chui and Jalal-Abad, where prices decreased. The most significant price hike (1.5%) was recorded in Bishkek due to a rise in service tariffs.
A social experiment conducted by 24.kg revealed a decrease in the cost of a standard basket of goods by 235 soms since the beginning of the year and by 863 soms compared to March 2023. However, compared to October 2018, the basket's cost has doubled, increasing by 3,203 soms.
In February, prices of apples, carrots, pears, and sugar rose in Bishkek, while bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, bananas, rice, cabbage, onions, potatoes, and buckwheat became cheaper. Prices for other items in the basket remained unchanged.
Overall, prices and tariffs in Kyrgyzstan increased by 0.7% in February compared to January, with alcohol, tobacco, and food products seeing a rise. Bishkek experienced the highest price surge (1.2%), while prices decreased in Chui (0.9%) and Naryn (0.1%) regions.
Despite some products becoming more expensive, such as apples, potatoes, onions, carrots, and sugar, the cost of the basket decreased by 197 soms in February, mainly due to lower prices of fresh cucumbers and bananas.
It is worth noting that salaries in various economic sectors continue to rise, contributing to an overall improvement in living standards in Kyrgyzstan. The cost of living in the country has also increased, with the food basket accounting for 65% of the minimum subsistence level, varying across regions.
