Astana, 24 October. Socially important food products in Kazakhstan have risen in price by 1.8% since the start of the year, against 8.3% over the same period last year, and food inflation has slowed for the second month in a row, the Ministry of Trade and Integration said.
Over the past week, according to the ministry, sugar fell by 2.4%, onions by 1.7%, apples and carrots by 0.9%, rice by 0.5% and mutton by 0.4%. Bread, pasta, butter, salt and tea were unchanged. With the onset of cold weather, cucumbers rose by 4.6%, cabbage and tomatoes by 3.7% and potatoes by 2.4%.
To restrain prices, the regions have been told to hold more agricultural fairs. In addition, the Bereke Fest and Republic Day promotions offer discounts of up to 50% on selected goods until 27 October.
The figures refer to the basket of socially important foods that the ministry tracks weekly, not to annual inflation, which is calculated by the Bureau of National Statistics.
In one week cucumbers rose more than the whole basket of socially important foods has since January.
What it means: Basic food prices are rising almost five times more slowly in 2026 than a year earlier; what is getting dearer now is mainly seasonal vegetables.
Who benefits: Shoppers, as staples are rising in price more slowly. The government, which gains an argument for its price-restraint measures. Vegetable growers, who benefit from the seasonal rise.
Background: The Ministry of Trade and Integration monitors prices of socially important foods weekly; 1.8% is their rise since the start of 2026 and 8.3% the rise over the same period of 2025.
