Tajikistan introduces a new currency

Tajikistan introduced a new currency on Monday, the somoni, replacing the Tajik ruble and lopping three zeros off price tags. One somoni, which is worth about dlrs 2.20, is the equivalent of 1,000 Tajik rubles. Both currencies will be valid until April 1, 2001, when the ruble will be taken out of circulation, the government said. The somoni is divided into 100 dirams. The measure caused confusion and uncertainty when it was announced Thursday, and some prices jumped, while some merchants temporarily closed down, not knowing what would happen. The government said that police and local officials were enforcing measures aimed at keeping prices from rising, Associated Press announces. The new notes carry Tajik words on one side, with English on the other side. The Tajik ruble being phased out is different from the ruble used in Russia.