DUSHANBE, February 15, Asia-Plus  - Unusual cold weather and energy crisis and sever electricity shortages caused by it have led to increase in prices of some basic food products on markets in Dushanbe.

Thus, compared to December 2007 prices of onions in January rose by 40 percent, carrots -- by 50 percent and milk -- by 50 percent.  At present, the price of one kilogram of onions on some of Dushanbe markets is 1.00 somoni, the price of one kilogram of carrots is 80 dirams (0.8 somoni) and the price of one liter of milk is 2.5 somonis, with similar price rises in other parts of the country. 

In the meantime, prices of other basic food products remain the same:  the price of one kilogram of meat is 14 somonis; 1 kilogram of potatoes costs 1-1.5 somonis; the price of one kilogram of sugar is 2.5 somonis; and the price of one kilogram of rice is 3.5 somonis.  Prices of cooking (cotton) and vegetable oils also remain unchanged and fluctuate from 6.5 to 10 somonis, depending on producer. 

Moreover, prices of some basic food products have even reduced.  Thus the price for a 50-kilogram sack of grade 1 wheat flour has reduced from 120 somonis in December 2007 to 105 somonis.  

            It is to be noted that frost-bitten vegetables and fruits are sold at lower prices.