DUSHANBE, December 21, 2012, Asia-Plus — In Tajikistan, wheat and wheat flour prices are expected to continue to increase, due to high prices in Kazakhstan and as demand increases as households deplete their own stocks and revert to market purchases to reconstitute their stocks.
The monthly report for December,
Monitoring &r Early Warning in Tajikistan
, shows that wheat prices dropped slightly in Khujand (Sughd province) and were stable, but at high levels in Dushanbe and Qurghon Teppa (Khatlon province). Prices are above or close to the highest levels since 2009, the report said.
The wheat flour prices reportedly began to rise in Khorog, the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) in July. The wheat flour prices in Khorog increased sharply in October and are now at the highest levels in recent history. Current price for one kilogram of 1st grade wheat flour in the administrative center of GBAO is nearly 4.00 somoni.
As afar as other regions of the country are concerned, the wheat flour prices have also increased there, but at a slower pace. In Dushanbe, the price of one kilogram of 1st grade wheat flour rose from 2.90 somoni in September to 3.20 somoni in November.
Meanwhile, prices for domestic wheat and wheat flour in Qurghon Teppa have risen 20 and 29 percent respectively.
According to the data of the Agency for Statistics under the President of Tajikistan, Tajikistan has imported some 290,000 tons of wheat flour and more than 600,000 tons of wheat over the first ten months of this year. In October, Tajikistan imported more than 38,000 tons of wheat flour and 86,000 tons of wheat.
The wholesale prices for one ton of wheat have increased by 160.00 U.S. dollars compared to prices at the beginning of the year and now fluctuate from US$340 to US$345 on DAF (Delivered at Frontier) conditions.
The term DAF is used when the goods are transported by rail and road. The seller pays for transportation to the named place of delivery at the frontier. The buyer arranges for customs clearance and pays for transportation from the frontier to his factory. The passing of risk occurs at the frontier.
Tajikistan’s annual requirements in cereals are now 1.5 million tons and Kazakhstan now accounts for some 80 percent of Tajikistan’s wheat and flour imports.
This year, Tajikistan reportedly has produced 794,000 tons of wheat, which is 359,000 tons more than last year.
