Kaktus.media offers a look at the changes in prices in the country since the beginning of 2025.
Inflation in the Country
From the first days of the new year, a rise in prices has been observed in Kyrgyzstan. Initially, it was insignificant—up to 1-1.5% per month—but the population had a different impression. The rapid increase in the prices of goods, even the most ordinary ones, caused confusion and despair. Basic products such as flour, carrots, and meat became unaffordable for many.In response to this situation, the authorities took emergency measures, including raising the National Bank's interest rate to 11%, which is intended to help bring the inflation level back to the target of 5-7%.
Meat Prices
Meat continues to be the most expensive product on the market. Authorities had to ban exports and introduce price controls in the domestic market, but this did not stop the price increase, and meat has come to be regarded as a true delicacy, despite Kyrgyzstan's ability to produce it independently.Sellers explain the price increase by the rising costs of livestock maintenance: prices for feed, fuel, and rental spaces for trading have risen. As part of cooperation with local administrations and the antimonopoly agency, social points with lower meat prices are being opened in some regions, but this does not solve the problem.
Vegetables and Fruits
The National Statistical Committee monitors prices for 17 key food products daily. A comparison of data from mid-December last year and current prices shows that almost all products have become more expensive. The only exceptions were medium-grain rice and eggs. This year, thanks to the growth of domestic production, the Ministry of Agriculture banned the import of chicken eggs, making Kyrgyzstan not only self-sufficient but also an exporter of this product. For example, from August to January 2025, 3.3 million eggs were exported.Some price changes this year were unexpected. In the summer, the price of carrots sharply increased from 45-50 soms to 75-120 soms per kilogram. Although the country produces this vegetable itself, the situation improved slightly after the new harvest was collected.
In August, Bishkek saw a sharp rise in watermelon prices, which reached 50 soms per kilogram due to active exports to Russia, where about 7,000 tons of watermelons were exported, significantly affecting the domestic market.
Interestingly, potatoes have been among the most expensive products for the second consecutive year. Nevertheless, the price of vegetable oil, which had increased only slightly in previous years, soared by 30 soms this year. This product is mainly imported, and its price was influenced by global market conditions, including drought conditions in producing countries, which reduced sunflower yields.
Fuel Prices
In the past two years, AI-95 gasoline has become the most expensive, increasing by almost 8 soms. However, in 2025, AI-92 gasoline took the lead, with its price rising by 11.4 soms over the year, which is 17.5%.If in December 2024 the average price of 92 gasoline was 65.07 soms, by mid-December 2025, it had risen to 76.48 soms. The price increase accelerated in the second half of the year, and in September, the price for a liter of AI-92 gasoline exceeded 70 soms.
The main reason for the price increase is that Kyrgyzstan primarily imports fuel from Russia, where prices began to rise in the summer due to problems at oil refineries. By early October, nearly 38% of capacities in Russia were suspended, and there was an increased demand for fuel due to agricultural work, leading to a fuel shortage and difficulties in its supply to Kyrgyzstan.
Although there is no fuel shortage in the republic, supplies have slowed, which has affected price increases. Currently, the situation remains unstable, as AI-95 and diesel continue to rise in price.
Utilities and Transport
The increase in utility tariffs has also had a significant impact on inflation. This year, the electricity tariff was raised again.The tariffs for the population are set as follows:
1. For the population:
- for consumption up to 700 kWh — the tariff increased from 1.11 to 1.37 soms/kWh (by 23.8%), and will rise annually by 20%;
- for consumption over 700 kWh — the tariff rose from 2.39 to 2.60 soms/kWh (by 8.5%, considering inflation and the average change in the dollar exchange rate).
It was also planned to increase the tariff for thermal energy this year, but this did not happen. Nevertheless, the cost of hot water has increased: from June 1, the charge for 1 cubic meter for "Bishkekteploset" consumers rose from 108 to 126 soms.
