In Kazakhstan, the price index for socially significant food products (SZPT) increased by 0.3% over the past week and by 2.2% since the beginning of the year. The seasonal rise in vegetable prices (cabbage, carrots, onions) is having an impact, along with an increase in the prices of beef (1.2%) and sunflower oil (1.1%).
The highest increase in prices for essential products since the beginning of the year has been recorded in the Ulytau region (4.8%), Aktobe region (3.8%), and East Kazakhstan region (2.7%), according to the website of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
These findings were discussed during a government meeting on stabilizing SZPT prices. According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov, regional authorities continue to release reserves from stabilization funds to stabilize vegetable prices. Out of a total stock of 156,900 tons, 45,400 tons of vegetables have been sold. In some regions, the pace of vegetable sales is lagging behind planned volumes, leading to price increases. For instance, in the Abai region, only 486 tons out of 2,800 tons of potatoes have been sold, resulting in a 24.2% price increase. A similar situation is observed with carrots, cabbage, and onions in certain regions.
"The potato reserves, excluding those held by households, amounting to 253,500 tons, are sufficient to fully meet the country’s domestic needs until the arrival of the early 2025 harvest," stated the deputy minister.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the need for urgent measures to stabilize food prices. He instructed authorities to speed up the release of stocks from stabilization funds and resume weekly fairs in regions and major cities.
"In February and March, all available products in stabilization funds must be sold, and the supply of fresh vegetables should be ensured by April. These are the primary tasks for the Ministries of Agriculture, Trade, and Integration, in collaboration with regional authorities, to smooth out seasonal price fluctuations for essential food products," Zhumangarin stated.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 18, 2025