Kyrgyzstan: Meat prices climb in July as potatoes get cheaper

Kyrgyzstan's consumers faced a significant surge in meat prices during July 2026, a trend that contrasted sharply with a seasonal drop in vegetable costs. Horse meat prices climbed by 5.41%, lamb by 4.04%, and beef by 3.87%, according to data from the National Statistical Committee's daily monitoring from July 1 to July 31, 2026.

Meanwhile, the market for vegetables saw a notable decline, with the average price of potatoes across the country falling by 7.5%. This seasonal shift offered some relief to consumers, though the overall impact on the grocery basket remained a concern.

A comparison of a basic 16-item grocery basket, excluding horse meat due to data limitations in Osh, revealed a price difference between the two largest cities. Bishkek's basket cost 3,116.97 somas, while Osh's was 3,015.11 somas. This means consumers in the capital paid 101.86 somas more for the same set of essential goods.

The price disparities extended to specific items, with Osh showing higher prices for black tea, sunflower oil, and high-grade flour. Bishkek, however, led in the cost of rice, eggs, and potatoes. The gap between the two cities' grocery costs has been narrowing, with the difference at 180.42 somas in May and 192.65 somas in June, indicating a trend of Osh's prices catching up to Bishkek's.

Regional price variations also remained substantial. The highest meat prices were recorded in Uzgen for lamb (900 somas) and Balykchy for beef (850 somas). Other price extremes included lamb at a minimum of 732.5 somas in Semetey and a maximum of 900 somas in Uzgen. Beef ranged from 700 somas in Noocat to 850 somas in Balykchy. Bread prices varied from 60.06 somas in Kara-Balta to 128.2 somas in Kara-Suu, while sugar prices fluctuated between 78.66 somas in Karakol and 91.46 somas in Kara-Suu.