Inflation Containment Measures and Food Price Stabilization Strengthened in Uzbekistan

Annual inflation declined to 7.1% in March 2026 for the first time. The authorities have identified the stabilization of prices for essential food products and reducing inflation to no more than 6.5% by year-end as a key priority.

Annual inflation declined to 7.1% in March 2026 for the first time. The authorities have identified the stabilization of prices for essential food products and reducing inflation to no more than 6.5% by year-end as a key priority.

Uzbekistan continues to implement a comprehensive policy aimed at reducing inflationary pressure, ensuring price stability, and improving the effectiveness of local public administration. At the end of March this year, monthly inflation stood at 0.6%, while the annual rate declined to 7.1% for the first time.
For all responsible officials and regional hokims, the key task for 2026 has been defined as maintaining stable prices for essential food products and preventing inflation from exceeding 6.5%.
A separate package of measures concerns the stabilization of meat prices. In accordance with Resolution PQ-130, the state has introduced partial reimbursement of costs for importing breeding livestock and meat products by air transport.
In particular, imports of each head of breeding cattle by air will be eligible for compensation of up to 4 million soums. Entrepreneurs importing meat by air transport will receive coverage of 50% of transportation costs or compensation of $0.8 for each kilogram of imported products. A total of 300 bn soums has been allocated from the republican budget for the implementation of these measures.
Additionally, in 2026 it is planned to create cold storage and freezing facilities with a combined capacity of 112.4 thousand tons. Imports of an additional 100 thousand heads of breeding sheep and goats from Mongolia are also envisaged, with 50% of transport costs to be compensated.
To strengthen the feed base for livestock farming, fodder crops will be cultivated on 709 thousand hectares this year, including 478 thousand hectares of main sowing areas and 231 thousand hectares of secondary sowing areas.
Overall, a new system of inflation and price stability management is being introduced in the country. Personal responsibility for food prices and inflationary processes in the regions is being assigned to regional hokims.
At the same time, measures are being implemented to improve the efficiency of administrative infrastructure. Starting this year, the regions are optimizing the placement of state organizations and ensuring more rational use of administrative buildings for the convenience of the population.
At the first stage, the relocation of government agencies into unified administrative centers has already begun in 19 districts and cities, including Kungrad, Chimbay, Asaka, Gijduvan, Gallaorol, Yakkabag, Khatyrchi, Chartak, Bulungur, Denau, Syrdarya, Kuva, Shavat, Khazarasp, as well as the cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, Karshi, Yangiyul, and Margilan.
During the year, similar measures will be implemented in another 26 districts and cities, including Shahrixon, Shafirkan, Jondor, Zafarabad, Kamashi, Nurata, Naryn, Kasansay, Kattakurgan, Pakhtachi, Kizirik, Muzrabad, Sardoba, Buka district, Chinaz, Yazyavan, Uzbekistan district, Yangiarik, as well as the cities of Andijan, Navoi, Namangan, Termez, Chirchik, Quvasoy, Kokand, and Urgench.
The decisions being implemented are aimed at further strengthening macroeconomic stability, improving access to public services, and creating sustainable conditions for rising living standards.

Center for Economic Research and Reforms Media Sector