Average prices for socially important food products in Kazakhstan increased by 7.1% on-year as of January 28, 2026, and by 0.3% in less than a month since the beginning of the year, according to analysts at Energyprom.kz.
The largest increase in prices for staple foods was recorded in Zhezkazgan: by 10.6% year-on-year, followed by Aktau (by 9.8%), Taraz (9%), and Semey (8.9%).
The least noticeable price increase was in Astana – by still significant 5.2%, as well as in Kostanay and Konayev – by 6% in each city.
Increases in prices for socially important food products above the national average were observed in 11 regional cities, including Shymkent. Prices rose close to the national average in Petropavlovsk (by 7.2%), Almaty, Atyrau, and Kokshetau (by 7% in each city).
By product type, only five of the 31 socially important food products saw price decreases over the year. Cucumbers fell by 16.5%, tomatoes by 9.7%, potatoes by 7%, rice by 4.9%, and onions by 1.6%. Wheat flour and eggs showed the least significant price increases: by 3.6% each.
For other staple food products, annual price increases ranged from 6.9% to 30.7%. Beef showed the largest price increase: boneless by 30.7%, and with bones — by 28.7%. Prices for lamb and minced meat also increased significantly: by 29.2% and 26.6%, respectively, followed by horse meat (up 17.7%), carrots (up 17.2%), sunflower oil (up 15.8%), and salt (up 13.9%).
