Uzbekistan updates poverty threshold

The minimum spending used to calculate Uzbekistan's poverty line has been raised, as reported by the Statistics Agency.

As per Decision No. 204 issued by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on April 16, 2024, additional measures have been taken to incorporate market mechanisms in the fuel and energy sector. The Statistics Agency is tasked with revising and announcing the cost of minimum consumption expenses by May 1, 2024, considering the surge in fuel and energy prices.

Consequently, the Statistics Agency recalculated the minimum consumption expenses in accordance with the regulations governing the determination of population consumption costs and the poverty line. Effective May 2024, the minimum consumption expenses stand at 648,000 soums per person per month.

Globally, the minimum consumption expenditure serves as a benchmark for poverty lines. It aids in identifying the demographic requiring state assistance, enhances the precision and focus of poverty alleviation strategies and programs, and facilitates ongoing monitoring. Moreover, it serves as a criterion for setting minimum pension and allowance amounts and offering financial aid to impoverished families.

It's worth noting that as of January 2024, the calculated poverty line—minimum consumption expenses in Uzbekistan—was established at 621,000 soums per person per month.