Kaktus.media conducted an analysis comparing prices, salaries, and pensions during this period. The results show that despite the increase in income, prices remain high, negatively impacting citizens' lives. However, let's break it down in order.
Changes in the Pension System
Let's start with pensions. In 2021, when the Constitution of Kyrgyzstan was amended, a provision was introduced stating that pensions and benefits cannot be lower than the minimum subsistence level. This decision sparked much debate between lawmakers and the government. Lawmakers insisted on adhering to the law, while the government pointed to the dependence on the economic situation.In May 2024, President Sadyr Japarov promised at a nationwide meeting on social mobilization to raise the minimum pension to the level of the subsistence minimum. The pension increase occurred in two stages: in July (to 3,500 soms) and in October (to 6,900 soms). Compared to 2020, the average pension nearly doubled.
Payments for those affected by conflicts in March 2002, the events of 2010, and the border conflict in Batken in late April 2021 also increased. Starting from August 1, 2022, salaries for state and municipal employees were raised, affecting about 28,000 people. As a result, the average salary in the country increased by 37.3% over the year. In the following years, growth continued, but not as actively.
Although the authorities of Kyrgyzstan speak of significant salary and pension increases, the real situation looks different. Converting these figures into US dollars reveals that the increase is not as impressive.
Inflation reached a record level of 14.7% by the end of 2022. In 2025, it was 9.4%, and experts predict that this year the price increase may exceed 10% again.
Comparison of Food Prices: 2020 and 2025
To analyze how much food prices have risen over the past six years, we compared the prices of ten popular products in December 2020 and December 2025. Honestly, the results are disheartening. In 2020, after experiencing the pandemic, it seemed like the most difficult period. However, now we understand that it was just the beginning.Remember, beef cost 370 soms per kilogram — it seems like a fairy tale now. At that time, you could buy almost 3 kg of meat for 1,000 soms, but now for the same amount of money, you will only get 1-1.5 kg. This is a vivid example of inflation.
In 2022, when the highest price increase was recorded, the average salary rose by 37.3%, while prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 15.8%, creating a sense of income deficiency among citizens.
