In late February, 2020 after Turkmenistan closed its border with Iran as one of the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 on its territory, the price hike for onions and potatoes was recorded.
The price for a kilo of potatoes skyrocketed from 7 to 20 manats whereas the price for onions went up from 4-5 to 6-7 manats. The prices for other groceries also increased.
In the meantime, according to correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan”, the situation stabilized and groceries appeared again on the counters of state-run stores and bazaars.
On 5 March, 2020 potatoes were sold without any restrictions at the price of 9 manats per kilo and onions at 5 manats at state-run retail outlets, located in Tashauz bazaar.
Chicken was also available at the price of 17 manats and chicken drumsticks were sold at 10 manats.
A 1.5 liter bottle of cotton seed oil is sold at 4 manats but customers have to buy half a kilo of poor quality rice at 2 manats in a set.
In the markets the number of police officers and people in civilian clothes carrying portable radio sets who are keeping an eye on customers has significantly increased.