According to data from Uzbekistan's National Committee on Statistics, inflation in March reached 0.6%, marking the highest monthly rate since December. In annual terms, price growth slowed to 7.1% from 7.3% the previous month, a significant decrease from the 10.3% inflation recorded in March of last year.

The most substantial price increases in March were observed for food products, which rose by an average of 1.2% monthly and 5.6% annually. Specifically, eggs (+2.1% monthly and +17% annually), beef (+1.2–1.8% monthly and up to +15.5% annually), lamb (+1.2% monthly and +18.2% annually), fish (+1.7%), and sugar (+1.7%) became more expensive. Prices for vegetable oil, flour, and milk also increased.

Among fruits and vegetables, tomatoes (+11.5%), bell peppers (+10%), potatoes (+9.8%), pumpkin (+9.4%), apples (+7.4%), and bananas (+6%) saw the sharpest price hikes. In contrast, cucumbers (−20.7%), as well as onions and carrots, became notably cheaper.

Non-food goods increased in price by 0.3% monthly and 5.3% annually. Services became more expensive by 0.2% monthly, but their annual growth remains high at 12.7%, adding to the financial strain on households.

In the transport sector, gasoline prices decreased by an average of 0.9%, propane became cheaper by 3.2%, and airfares dropped by 4.1%. However, tariffs for taxis and international bus transportation rose, potentially impacting mobility and travel costs.

In the utilities sector, tariffs generally remained stable, but waste removal services increased by 0.9%. Additionally, prices for housing rent, repairs, medicines, and medical services rose, further exacerbating household expenses.

Moreover, the cost of private kindergartens and language courses increased in March, indicating rising expenditures in education and childcare sectors.

Source: kun.uz