Inflation in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Annual inflation slows for the second month in a row

In April, the consumer price index for the month was 0.9%, remaining at the level of March. In the structure of the index, prices for non–food products increased by 1.3%, food products - by 0.9%, paid services – by 0.4%.

Among non–food products, the largest increase in prices in April was observed for diesel fuel by 16.1%, gasoline - by 9.7%. Prices compared to March increased for detergents and cleaning products by 1.4%, personal goods – by 1.1%, dishes – by 1%, household appliances – by 0.9%.

Food prices have increased markedly for fruit and vegetable products, in April cabbage rose by 4.7%, tomatoes – by 4.1%, grapes – 3%, apples – by 2.6%, pears – by 2.4%. The price increase was noted for rice – 7%, soft drinks – 2.5%, horns, ultra–pasteurized milk – 2.4% each, chilled fish - 2.2%, pasteurized milk, pasta – 2.1% each. Cucumbers fell by 11.4%, buckwheat – by 3.7%, sunflower oil – by 2.6%.

An increase in prices was noted for air passenger transport services, during the month air travel rose by 17.7%. There is an increase in prices for hairdressing and beauty salons – by 1.5%, funeral services – by 1%. Sanatorium services have risen in price by 1.1%, healthcare – by 0.9%.

Among the regions, the highest monthly inflation was registered in the regions of Abai and Ulytau – 1.4% each (above the national average by 0.5 percentage points), the lowest – 0.5% in Astana.

In the context of regions, prices for food products increased the most in the West Kazakhstan region by 1.8%, non-food products – in the Almaty region by 3%, paid services – in the Turkestan region by 2.3%.

On an annualized basis, inflation is slowing down for the second month in a row: in April 2023 – 16.8%, in March 2023 – 18.1%, in February 2023 – 21.3%. Prices for food products increased by 17.9% in annual terms, non–food products - by 18.2%, paid services – by 13.7%.

Compared to April 2022, office supplies rose in price by 68.5%, household soap – by 59.3%, refined sugar - by 51.7%, dishwashing detergent – by 51.6%, cucumbers – by 50.9%, baby soap – by 49.6%, rice – by 43.9%, washing powder – by 43%, toilet paper – by 42.7%. On the contrary, cabbage has fallen in price by 53.4% in annual terms, carrots by 19.2%.

"The consumer price index indicator characterizing the inflation rate is calculated monthly. The basket of goods and services used in calculating the Consumer Price Index consists of 508 goods and services, where 160 are food products, 243 are non–food products and 105 are paid services. Prices are registered through a selective network of trade and service enterprises of various forms of ownership in all regional centers, the capital and a certain circle of cities and district centers," explains Kuanyshbek Zhakypbekuly, Director of the Bureau's Price Statistics Department.

*Since January 2023, when constructing the consumer price index, the share of food products is 41.8%, non–food products - 29.6%, paid services - 28.6%.