Annual inflation in Kazakhstan has slowed to 9.8%, the lowest level in a year and a half. This is the lowest rate since February 2025, when price growth was recorded at 9.4%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.6%, and since the beginning of the year, they have increased by 6.4%, reports infohub.kz.
According to the Bureau of National Statistics (BNS), the consumer price index in August compared to the same month last year was 109.8%, indicating annual inflation of 9.8%. The slowdown is largely due to lower prices for seasonal vegetables and fruits. In August, potatoes fell by 12.3%, bell peppers by 11.9%, cabbage by 9.7%, grapes by 8.0%, onions by 7.7%, apples by 5.1%, carrots by 5.0%, lemons by 4.7%, and beets by 3.6%. Prices also declined for pears (by 1.8%) and cucumbers (by 1.5%).
Among non-food items, there was a decrease in prices for used cars by 5.3%, tablets by 5.0%, medical masks by 2.9%, medical thermometers by 1.9%, and electric meat grinders and baby diapers by 0.8% each.
Overall, in August, food products became cheaper by 0.1%, non-food products became more expensive by 0.8%, and services rose by 1.2%. On an annual basis, non-food products increased by 11.4%, food products by 9.5%, and paid services by 8.9%.
Compared to August last year, prices for certain fruit and vegetable products continued to decline. Eggplants fell by 46.8%, cucumbers by 39.9%, tomatoes by 13.6%, apples by 10.6%, garlic by 7.2%, tangerines by 5.9%, cabbage by 5.2%, bananas by 4.2%, and oranges by 2.6%. Among non-food items, prices for domestically assembled new cars decreased by 16.9%, electric drills and screwdrivers by 8.0%, air conditioners by 7.6%, and medical bandages by 3.1%.
The Bureau of National Statistics explained that the consumer price index, which characterizes the level of inflation, is calculated monthly. Observations are conducted on tariffs and prices for services and goods, covering a total of 537 items.