As a result of military actions in Iran, food prices in Turkmenistan have risen. For example, the price of potatoes imported from Iran in Ashgabat has nearly tripled — from 5-6 manats to 17 manats per kilogram. Similarly, cucumbers now cost 17 manats per kilogram, which is 9 manats more than before.
Prices for citrus fruits have also doubled: oranges now cost 18 manats instead of the previous 9, and mandarins are 22 manats instead of 12 manats. Apples have increased in price from 10 to 17 manats per kilogram.
Additionally, there has been a rise in prices for household chemicals. Liquid detergents, such as Comfort and Persil, have become more expensive by 10-15 manats. Dishwashing products under the brands AVE, Persil, and Test have increased in price by 20-60%. Sellers note that stocks of goods are depleting, and prices may continue to rise.
Cigarettes have also increased in price by an average of 35-40%. For instance, a pack of Kent, which previously cost 60-65 manats, now costs 85-90 manats. ESSE cigarettes have risen in price from 50-55 to 80 manats, while Marlboro cigarettes have nearly doubled in price — from 95 to 170 manats.
Building materials have also seen changes: their cost has increased by about 40%, including cement, metal, and wood. This is due to the fact that some of these goods were imported from the United Arab Emirates through Iran, and now entrepreneurs have to seek new delivery routes through Georgia and Azerbaijan.
Experts link the rise in prices to Turkmenistan's high dependence on Iranian imports, which are often considered to be of higher quality compared to local alternatives.
It is worth noting that similar price fluctuations have occurred before, for example, during the 12-day conflict in the region in the summer and in the fall of 2024, when the border with Iran was temporarily closed. The authorities of Turkmenistan do not report having a long-term strategy to respond to such economic crises.
