Why onions have become more expensive in Uzbekistan
The Ministry of Agriculture explained the rise in onion prices by deliveries from other regions, middlemen markups, and demand for stockpiling. Entrepreneurs were warned against speculation.
The Ministry of Agriculture reported that onions are now being supplied to the Surkhandarya region from the Jizzakh and Samarkand regions, as the local harvest has already been collected. The delivery of one kilogram costs entrepreneurs 350–370 Uzbek sums, which is reflected in the final price.
In the markets of Surkhandarya, a kilogram of onions is sold for approximately 4,000–4,500 sums. The ministry also attributes the price increase to seasonality, fuel and logistics costs, and the trade markup by middlemen, which reaches 25–50%.
Meanwhile, in 2026, the country plans to grow 1.5 million tons of onions—35% more than the domestic demand calculated according to medical norms.
For the 2026–2027 winter-spring season, regions plan to stockpile 102,800 tons of onions. If necessary, the accumulated product can be sold at reduced prices through special retail outlets.
The ministry warned entrepreneurs and other market participants who are holding back onions in anticipation of further price increases. According to the ministry, prolonged storage leads to weight loss and deterioration in quality, which may result in losses.
