Kazakhstan food prices fall for second month in a row

Food prices in Kazakhstan have fallen for a second consecutive month, the government said at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. According to the Ministry of Trade, prices of socially significant goods have risen by about 2% since the start of the year, compared with 8% over the same period last year. That means growth has slowed almost fivefold.

Over the past week, sugar fell by 2.4%, onions by 1.7%, and apples and carrots by 0.9%. Rice and lamb also became cheaper, while prices for bread, pasta, butter, salt and tea were unchanged. With cold weather, however, cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes and potatoes are getting more expensive. To curb price increases for greenhouse vegetables in the coming winter and spring, authorities plan to sign a memorandum with producers.

Agricultural fairs, where products are sold directly by producers, remain one of the effective ways to restrain price growth. Bereke Fest and Republic Day promotions are also under way nationwide. A total of 649 trade outlets are taking part, offering discounts of up to 50% on in-demand products and everyday goods.