Meat and bread prices jump in Kyrgyzstan in May 2026, milk dips seasonally

Kyrgyzstan experienced a noticeable rise in food inflation in May 2026, with meat prices leading the surge. Lamb and horse meat saw substantial price hikes, with lamb increasing by nearly 47 som per kilogram and horse meat by 36 som. These increases are attributed to internal supply dynamics and the operational costs for farming households.

Despite the rise in meat costs, milk prices offered a seasonal reprieve, decreasing due to the traditional spring increase in milk yields, which led to an oversupply of raw materials on the market. However, bread made from first-grade flour also became more expensive, even as wheat prices remained stable.

A comparison of a 16-item basic food basket revealed a price difference between Kyrgyzstan's major cities. The basket cost 3,059.85 som in Bishkek and 2,879.43 som in Osh, making life in Osh approximately 180 som cheaper based on these staples. The primary driver of this cost disparity is the price of meat, with Bishkek showing significantly higher prices for lamb and beef compared to Osh. Other items like potatoes, milk, and eggs were also more expensive in the capital, while Osh had higher prices for premium flour, vegetable oil, and black tea.