Uzbekistan’s Annual Inflation Drops to 7.1% in March
In March 2026 the annual inflation rate in Uzbekistan dropped to a record low of 7.1% while the monthly figure stood at a modest 0.6% according to a recent report published by the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR).
The primary objective for state authorities this year is to cap overall inflation at a maximum of 6.5% and prevent sudden spikes in the cost of basic groceries. Stabilising the domestic meat market remains a major priority. To achieve this the government is introducing generous incentives for businesses including a $0.80 compensation payment for every kilogram of meat imported via air freight. Furthermore entrepreneurs can expect to have up to 50% of their overall transport expenses covered by the state.
The CERR report also highlighted long-term infrastructure plans for 2026. The country intends to construct new commercial refrigeration and freezing facilities with a combined storage capacity of 112,400 tonnes. To further bolster domestic agriculture Uzbekistan will import an additional 100,000 pedigree sheep and goats from Mongolia with the government once again subsidising half of the shipping costs. Alongside these livestock initiatives farmers will dedicate 709,000 hectares of land specifically to cultivating animal fodder.
These robust state interventions coincide with a highly positive trend for consumer wallets. According to data from the Central Bank the price growth for 148 out of 167 tracked food items remained below 10% in March. Seasonal goods and vegetables experienced the most dramatic price drops across the board. Pumpkins plummeted in cost by 51.9%, aubergines fell by 30.4%, garlic went down by 23.8%, watermelons decreased by 22.2% and cucumbers dropped by 19.1%.
