Onion prices rise in Uzbekistan despite production exceeding domestic demand

Uzbekistan’s onion production is expected to reach 1.5 mln tons in 2026, exceeding domestic demand by 400 thsd tons, or 35%. Despite ample supplies, prices have risen significantly in some regions. According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the main factors behind higher retail prices are seasonal production patterns, transportation costs and markups imposed by intermediaries, which can range from 25% to 50%.

The most noticeable price increases have been recorded in Surkhandarya region, where farmers harvested 387.1 thsd tons of onions in the first nine months of 2026. Of this volume, 120 thsd tons were allocated for local consumption, 46 thsd tons were exported, and the remainder was shipped to other regions of the country. Following the completion of the local harvest, traders began sourcing onions from Jizzakh and Samarkand regions. Transportation costs amount to 350–370 Uzbek soums per kilogram.

Onion procurement prices range from 2,600 to 3,300 soums/kg in Jizzakh region and from 2,800 to 3,000 soums/kg in Samarkand region. Including logistics expenses, delivery costs to Surkhandarya amount to 2,950–3,650 soums/kg and 3,150–3,350 soums/kg, respectively. Meanwhile, retail prices in local markets reach 4,000–4,500 soums/kg. According to the ministry, the difference between procurement costs, including transportation, and final retail prices can reach 52.5% in some cases. For comparison, Uzbekistan’s average retail onion price from November 2025 through October 2026 was 2,552 soums/kg.

According to the ministry’s estimates, Uzbekistan’s average onion yield in 2026 is around 35 t/ha. Cultivation costs are estimated at 65.5 mln soums per hectare, while production costs amount to approximately 1.87 mln soums per ton. To ensure stable domestic supplies during the winter and spring of 2026–2027, the government plans to establish onion reserves totaling 102.8 thsd tons, including 2,750 tons allocated to Surkhandarya region.

Meanwhile, onion harvesting is still underway in Tashkent, Samarkand, Jizzakh and Syrdarya regions, as well as in the Fergana Valley. The Ministry of Agriculture expects additional production and accumulated reserves to increase domestic market supplies and help contain further price increases. Authorities have also warned against artificial price inflation and urged traders not to withhold onions in anticipation of higher prices, as prolonged storage may lead to weight loss, deterioration in quality and financial losses.

Tags: onion, Uzbekistan