Bread Shortage In Turkmenistan Causes Prices To Skyrocket
November 04, 2008
ASHGABAT (RFE/RL) -- A scarcity of bread in Turkmenistan has caused prices to increase and left shelves empty in some stores, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service reports.
Less expensive Russian bread costs 1,000 manats ($1 is 14,250 manats) per loaf, but is sold-out in state stores in the capital city, Ashgabat, by 8 a.m. each day.
The price of Turkmen bread recently rose from some 5,000 to 10,000 manats in Ashgabat bazaars. The government offers five kilos of flour for each person for between 1,900-2,500 manats. However, some people use this flour to feed their livestock.
The average monthly state salary in Turkmenistan is about $115. Food conditions are considered to be worse outside of the capital, as Ashgabat is the main supplier of food supplies.