For the first time this year, Kazakhstan has recorded a 0.1% decline in the average price index for socially significant food products (SSFPs) over the first three weeks of July. To consolidate the deflationary trend, the government is activating tariff and logistics subsidy mechanisms for producers, reports infohub.kz.

The country's annual inflation rate fell to 10.3% in June (down from 10.4% in May). However, inflation exceeds the national average in 11 regions. The worst figures were recorded in the Zhetysu and Ulytau regions, as well as in the North Kazakhstan and Akmola regions.

The food market shows mixed trends. Due to seasonal factors, vegetable prices have dropped sharply: cucumbers fell 18.2%, tomatoes 15.1%, and carrots 5.2%. Egg prices decreased by 2.4%. At the same time, meat products continue to rise: lamb prices increased by 2%, horse meat by 1.3%, and minced meat by 0.6%.

To stabilize essential food prices, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a package of economic incentives for businesses. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (National Railways) is offering a 70% discount on rail transport of SSFPs within the country. For 40 bakeries, a preferential electricity tariff is being introduced to reduce costs.

Three new vegetable oil refining plants will be commissioned by the end of this year to supply the domestic market. In exchange for state support, local executive bodies must monitor businesses' compliance with commitments to prevent price increases.

Amid rising livestock product prices, Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin ordered a detailed audit of the meat market, comparing production volumes, domestic consumption, and exports.

Relevant agencies have been instructed to analyze the entire supply chain for each instance of significant price increases, involving major importers and wholesalers. Similar systematic monitoring will be applied to non-food markets, paid services, and higher education.

The Ministry of Trade has expanded the list of SSFPs from 19 to 31 items. The updated list includes: wheat flour of the first grade, molded wheat bread from first-grade flour, pasta (horn-shaped), buckwheat groats, round-grain polished rice, potatoes, carrots, onions, white cabbage, tomatoes (excluding cherry and grape varieties), cucumbers (excluding gherkins), apples, granulated sugar, sunflower oil, beef with and without bones, minced meat, lamb, horse meat, fresh, chilled and frozen fish (bream, crucian carp, pike perch, carp, and common carp), chicken thighs, drumsticks and legs, whole chicken carcasses, milk with fat content of 2.2% to 6%, kefir with 2–3% fat, sour cream, cottage cheese with 5–9% fat, hard and semi-hard cheese with 40–50% fat, butter with 72.5% to 80% fat, first-category chicken eggs, black tea without flavorings (except bagged), and edible table salt (except Extra type).