Prices for bread and flour rise in Central Asian countries, partly due to the war in Ukraine

price surge occurred in February and March, with monthly increases exceeding 1%, though inflation slowed in April-June. This was reported by Asia-Plus. Experts attribute the price hikes in Tajikistan to the rising cost of imported wheat, increased expenses for energy and transportation, and changes in the weight and format of bread products, which have effectively led to hidden price increases. Despite some slowdown in inflation in recent months, Tajikistan remains heavily dependent on grain imports. Over the past 10 years, flour prices in the country have nearly doubled, from 150 somoni per sack in 2015 to an average of 300 somoni in 2025, driven by higher wheat costs, increased transportation expenses, trader actions, the war in Ukraine, and currency fluctuations. The Tajikistan government forecasts an increase in grain crop production in the coming years. Wheat harvests are expected to reach 930,000 tons in 2026, rising to 986,000 tons by 2028. Flour production is also ...