“Chronicles of Turkmenistan” continues to monitor price fluctuations at Ashgabat grocery markets.
Since their last publication over three months ago, a serious price increase for selected food products has been recorded.
Vegetables saw a considerable price increase owing to the change of seasons, and a total absence of local produce in the market.Potatoes and onions are imported from Iran whereas cucumbers and tomatoes are supplied from Turkey.
Onions and potatoes still cost 3,5 manats per kilo.The season for locally produced potatoes has already ended, and now only imported Turkish tomatoes are available on the counters which cost 8,40-12 manats per kilo (an increase from 2 manats), and cucumbers imported from Turkey are sold at 4,6 manats per kilo (an increase from 1,8 manat).
It has been reported previously that the President was dissatisfied with the slow pace of greenhouse construction across the country, which are supposed to “provide residents of rural and urban areas with fruits and vegetables all year round”.
Prices for fruits also saw an increase. The price for Iranian apples rose from 16 to 19,10 manats whereas the price for bananas increased went from 9 to 11 manats.
Prices for canned goods are seeing a steady growth. Over the past year they saw a price rise of 30%. Since July RITA brand canned peas went up from 5,00 to 8,40 manats, and RITA corn from 6,00 to 8,40 manats.
Since the end of last year there has been a price hike for cheese, and then it temporarily disappeared from stores. Today cheese is being imported again. Since July the price for “Gouda” rose from 45,00 to 48,00 manats, and for “Russian cheese” from 58,00 to 62,80 manats per kilo.
The price for Russian-made vegetable oil (“Oleina”) soared from 8,50 to 12,10 manats per liter. A kilo of Russia-produced flour (“Tsar”, “Pioneer”) ranges from 4,80 to 5,20 manats. It was previously sold at 3,6 manats per kilo.
After last year’s deficit, sugar supplies have been more stable. Today a kilo of sugar in state-run stores costs 5 manats. The price has not changed since August but there are restrictions as to the amount a customer buys.
Overall, correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” say that attempts by the authorities to set up import substituting production are visible.The produce of local brands, which was not available, has reappeared on the counters.
At the same time, our sources from the food processing industry say that despite the fact that import substituting products are processed at local manufacturing facilities, all ingredients, including various preservatives, food stabilizers, thickeners, sweeteners and other necessary components are imported from overseas.
However, the quality of produce, according to the sources, cannot be compared with imported products. The prices, however, are similar. For instance, local mayo “NUR” costs 11,60 manats whereas imported Russian mayo is sold at 12 manats but its quality is much higher.