Inflation in the Republic of Kazakhstan

In September 2023, the monthly consumer price index slowed down and amounted to 0.6% (in August this year – 0.7%). Prices for paid services increased by 0.9%, non-food products – by 0.6%, food products - by 0.3%.

The main contribution to inflation was made by the increase in prices for education services. Vocational secondary education has risen in price by 11.3%, higher education – by 10.8%, secondary – by 6.3%. Prices for sports classes for school–age children increased by 3.2%, taxi fares – by 2.6%, rental housing - by 2.3%.

The increase in prices in September of this year was noted for coal by 3%, firewood – by 2.5%. Gasoline AI-95/96 rose by 2.7%, gasoline AI-98 – by 1.8%. Prices for furniture and household items increased by 2%, laptop – by 1.5%, clothing and shoes – by 1.2%.

Food prices for rice increased by 3.2%, eggs – by 2.9%, fresh fish, butter – by 2.1%, fresh fruit – by 1.1%. An increase in prices was noted for mineral and drinking water by 1.5%. Potatoes fell by 10.3%, fresh vegetables – by 2.3%, sunflower oil – by 2%, cereals – by 1.5%, granulated sugar – by 1.3%.

Among the regions, the highest monthly inflation was registered in the Karagandy region – 1.1% (above the national average by 0.5 percentage points), the lowest – in the Almaty region, the price index was 100%.

In the context of regions, prices for food products increased the most in Almaty city by 0.8%, non–food – in the Zhetisu region by 1.4%, paid services - in the Karagandy region by 2.1%.

Inflation in September 2023 was 11.8% year-on-year. Food prices increased by 11.4%, paid services – by 11.9%, non–food products - by 12.1%.

Compared to September 2022, cabbage has risen in price by 74.3%, rice – by 41.3%, grapes – by 37.9%, canned milk – by 26.4%. Prices for paracetamol increased by 62.7%, tariffs for day hospital treatment services – by 40.1%, garbage collection – by 34.9%. On the contrary, smartphones fell by 24.6% in annual terms, buckwheat groats – by 18.3%, granulated sugar - by 18.1%, sunflower oil – by 14.8%.

The consumer price index indicator characterizing the inflation rate is calculated monthly. Observations are conducted on tariffs and prices for services and goods, for a total of 508 positions. Dynamic changes in inflation can be viewed on a specially designed interactive dashboard, which covers indicators starting from 2018.

"The Bureau calculates the consumer price index indicator monthly, which characterizes the level of inflation. We are observing changes in tariffs and prices for services and goods, for a total of 508 items. 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%.