In an attempt to execute the order issued by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov on ensuring the abundance of groceries at affordable prices, the Ashgabat authorities distributed the list of “recommended” prices for food products among the managers of state-run stores and owners of private retail outlets.
Police officers keep vigil in front of the stores to make sure shop assistants do not increase prices.
Shop assistants complain that they have to sell groceries at a loss. This led to the fact that imported merchandise in short supply, such as flour, butter, oil and eggs have disappeared from the counters of some stores.
Vendors are also requested to display local produce to be featured in television broadcasts and local print media outlets in order to demonstrate accomplishments of import substitution programs.
The website of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Trade has already reported on stable prices and full provision of the market with groceries.
“Chronicles of Turkmenistan” managed to obtain a list of prices which should be established in the shops (previous market prices are shown in the brackets):
Beef and lamb 18 manats per kilo (40 manats);
Turkey 14 manats per kilo;
Chicken 13 manats per kilo (the same price as before but the restriction of 1 chicken per customer applies);
Chicken drumsticks 8 manats per kilo (the same price as before with no restrictions);
Eggs 3,30 manats per 10 eggs (in short supply, 7 manats per 10 pieces, if a customer manages to find them and stand in the line);
Fresh fish 12 manats per kilo (in short supply, only catfish is available at 35 manats per kilo);
Cream 12 manats per kilo;
Curd 10 manats (18-20 manats);
Cheese 16 manats;
Butter 14 manats per kilo (in short supply, imported butter is sold at 100-120 (!) manats per kilo);
Cotton seed oil 3,40 manats per litre;
Sunflower seed oil 9 manats per litre (15 manats);
Rice 5 manats per kilo (12-15 manats);
Peas 4,50 manats per kilo (6-7 manats);
Beans 6 manats per kilo (15-20 manats);
Buckwheat 7 manats per kilo (8-10 manats);
Green tea 10 manats per kilo (various kinds available at 15-80 manats);
Sugar 3,20 manats per kilo (7-10 manats);
Potatoes 2,50 manats per kilo (6-7 manats);
Onions 2 manats per kilo (3 manats);
Cabbage 2 manats per kilo;
Carrots 1,50 manats per kilo;
Pumpkins 2 manats per kilo;
Beets 1,30 manats per kilo;
Cucumbers 6 manats per kilo;
Tomatoes 6 manats per kilo;
Greens (various types) 6 manats per kilo;
Garlic 8 manats per kilo;
Apples 5 manats per kilo;
Lemon 1 manat per piece (2-3 manats);
Bananas 6 manats per kilo;
Honey 20 manats per litre (40-50 manats);
Tomato paste 2,7 manats per kilo;
Walnuts (shelled) 16 manats per kilo (80 manats);
Dried fruits 15 manats per kilo (40-100 manats);
Sweet soft drinks 3,20 manats per bottle.