Fuel scarcity and transport costs propel inflation worries in Uzbekistan

The Central Bank disclosed the perceived inflation rates among the population and business entities for February.

As per the bank's report, the inflation rate perceived by the population stood at 12.7 percent. The highest regional inflation was noted in the city of Tashkent at 16.1 percent and Syrdarya region at 13.9 percent, while the lowest rates were observed in the Republic of Karakalpakstan at 9.1 percent and the Khorezm region at 10.7 percent.

Participants in the survey predominantly cited major increases in prices of gasoline, fuel, as well as road fares and transportation services. This may be attributed to the complete shutdown or restricted operations of methane gas filling stations towards the end of February and early March due to a republic-wide shortage of gas.

Citizens with incomes exceeding 7 million UZS experienced a higher perceived inflation rate than the national average. Specifically, those earning more than 15 million UZS reported a perceived inflation rate of 16.9 percent. In Tashkent, 27 percent of residents sensed an inflation rate above 21 percent.

It was previously reported that the annual growth rate of consumer sector prices in February reached 8.35 percent. The discrepancy between the perceived and official inflation rate last month constituted 4.35 percent.