Illustration: AI
Sugar, onions, apples, carrots, rice and lamb became cheaper in Kazakhstan over the past week. The Bereke Fest and Republic Day promotions offer discounts of up to 50%. According to the Ministry of Trade and Integration, food inflation is slowing for the second consecutive month (informburo.kz). Meanwhile, some vegetables are becoming more expensive as cold weather sets in.
Which foods became cheaper over the week
Of the foods listed by the ministry, sugar saw the biggest price drop, at 2.4%. Onion prices fell by 1.7%. Prices for the other four foods fell by less than 1%.
Changes over the past week:
| Food | Price decrease | | — | — | | Sugar | 2.4% | | Onions | 1.7% | | Apples | 0.9% | | Carrots | 0.9% | | Rice | 0.5% | | Lamb | 0.4% |
Which food prices stayed the same
Prices for bread, pasta, butter, salt and tea remained unchanged over the reporting week. The ministry released these figures alongside data on foods that became cheaper and vegetables that rose in price.
Which vegetables became more expensive
The ministry reports rising prices for cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes and potatoes as cold weather sets in. Cucumbers saw the biggest increase among these vegetables, while potatoes recorded the smallest.
| Vegetables | Price increase | | — | — | | Cucumbers | 4.6% | | Cabbage | 3.7% | | Tomatoes | 3.7% | | Potatoes | 2.4% |
The ministry also announced plans to stabilise prices for greenhouse-grown vegetables this coming winter and spring. To that end, it will sign a memorandum with producers—a document setting out their agreements.
How prices have changed since the start of the year
According to the ministry, food inflation is slowing for the second consecutive month. It also reports a continuing “deflationary trend at -0.1%”. Deflation means falling prices.
The ministry attributes a substantial share of the slowdown in price growth to socially essential goods. Prices for these goods have risen by 1.8% since the start of the year. Over the same period last year, the figure reached 8.3%. The ministry says price growth is now 4.6 times lower.
Where to find discounts of up to 50%
The ministry announced that the Bereke Fest and Republic Day promotions are running from 17 to 27 October across all regions of the country. A total of 649 retail outlets are taking part. Shoppers can buy popular food items and everyday essentials at discounts of up to 50%.
The ministry also highlights agricultural fairs as another way to keep prices in check. Products are sold directly by producers at these fairs. The ministry describes them as one of the most effective tools for curbing prices.
In plain English
Before your next grocery shop, compare prices for the foods you need in shops and at agricultural fairs. At outlets taking part in Bereke Fest and Republic Day, check the discount on each item: the advertised offer is “up to 50%”. Confirm the promotion dates before heading out to shop.
