Uzbekistan: Food Prices Rising in Andijan

Rising rents at markets in Uzbek city of Andijan are causing food prices in the city to soar, an opposition website is reporting.

"If a couple of days ago one kilo of beef cost [approximately $4.50] today it costs [approximately $4.90]," the news website Uznews.net reported on March 4. Fruits and vegetables are also more expensive.

The spike is not related to a shortage food but a sudden, government-ordered hike in rents for shop and stall holders.