Why have onion prices risen? Ministry explains

Although onion production in Uzbekistan exceeds domestic demand by 35%, retail prices have reached up to 4,500 soums per kilogram in some regions. The Ministry of Agriculture attributed the price increase to seasonal factors, transportation costs, and markups imposed by intermediaries.

According to the ministry, Uzbekistan plans to produce 1.5 million tons of onions in 2026, which is 400,000 tons more than domestic demand.

However, stocks of early-ripening onions have been depleted in the Surkhandarya region. Due to high temperatures, late-season onions were not grown on a large scale. As a result, onions are now being supplied to the region from Jizzakh and Samarkand.

Transportation costs from these regions to Surkhandarya amount to 350–370 soums per kilogram. Currently, retail onion prices in local markets range from 4,000 to 4,500 soums per kilogram.

The ministry noted that, in some cases, the difference between the purchase and delivery cost and the retail price reaches 1,550 soums per kilogram. Intermediaries' trading markups of 25–50% also contribute to rising prices.

Meanwhile, 102,800 tons of onions are being stockpiled nationwide for the winter-spring season. The ministry stated that releasing these reserves onto the market and selling them at reduced prices through designated stalls could help stabilize prices.