KULOB, January 28, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Prices of basic food products have risen sharply in the city of Kulob over the past several days.

The price of one kilogram of mutton rose from 20.00 somoni on January 24 to 23.00 somoni on January 28.  Before that, the mutton prices remained stable during seven months, despite inflation and rise in prices of other food products.

The price of kilogram of beef has risen from 18.00 to 20.00 somoni.

Prices of other basis food products have also risen considerably in the city.  The price of one kilogram of onions has risen from 1.50 to 2.80 somoni, and the price of one kilogram of potatoes has risen from 1.50 to 2.00 somoni.  The price of one liter of milk has risen from 2.00 to 3.00 somoni.

Neither merchants nor local experts have been able to distinctly explain the reason for the sudden price hike, because prices of wheat flower and fuels have not changed.