As a result, the cost of the minimum grocery set decreased by 69 soms, now amounting to 6,140 soms.
We visit the same supermarket weekly to track prices for the same range of products. Below is the complete information on which items were included in our analysis and why.
Prices in supermarkets may differ from market prices. Stores often have promotions on certain products with reduced prices.
The analysis shows that since the beginning of our monitoring in late October 2018, the cost of the grocery basket has increased by 2,870 soms. Compared to the same period last year, it has risen by 324 soms, and since the beginning of this year — by 74 soms.
Currently, the most affordable product in our basket is bread. The cost of the basket largely depends on fresh vegetables and fruits, which lead to its changes.
In 2024, the cost of the grocery basket decreased by 743 soms. The lowest price was recorded on September 14 — 5,510 soms, and the highest — on April 13 — 7,018 soms.
In 2009, the government of Kyrgyzstan approved nutrition standards for citizens. According to this document, every resident of the country must consume nine types of products monthly.
According to the established norms, the diet includes: 9 kg of bread products, 5 kg of meat, 8.2 kg of potatoes, 9 kg of vegetables, 10 kg of fruits and berries, 2 kg of sugar, 17 liters of milk, 1 liter of vegetable oil, 4 eggs, 100 g of fish and fish products, as well as 200 g of tea.
Taking into account the minimum standards set by the government, we calculated the cost of the consumer basket for a family of four. The basis for the calculation was the prices of products in one of the supermarkets in Bishkek, where many residents of the city have started shopping more frequently.
Of course, the calculations are approximate and based on the approved government norms. Considering various dietary preferences, not everyone consumes the same products in the same quantities. Some do not eat meat at all, while others avoid sugar. Thus, our experiment should be regarded as a social study by 24.kg.
By bread products, we mean both bread and pasta and cereals. Our family chose standard products: apples and bananas for fruits, and for vegetables — onions, carrots, cabbage, peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. No extravagances, just the essentials.
