Drivers rushed special service centers in Aktau and Almaty after Jan 1 rules allowed choosing license plate combinations for 10 MRP (43,250 tenge), excluding elite series.
The tenge ended 2025 stronger as higher FX trading, National Fund conversions and liquidity sterilization balanced the market; $350–450m January sales are planned for budget needs.
Extending the Tengiz contract would lock in a major source of Kazakhstan’s oil exports, stabilize budget revenues and production, and reduce uncertainty around logistics and OPEC+ quotas.
Kazakhstan set a 970 tenge minimum for a 20-pack from Jan 1, 2026, and fixed tobacco excise at 18,051 tenge per 1,000 sticks, with further increases scheduled through 2030.
High traffic caused temporary limits in Halyk Bank’s app on Jan 5, 2026, leaving some users unable to sign in or pay; the bank says engineers are stabilizing services.
Tokayev orders a four-point reduction to the proposed VAT hike, signaling a softer 2026 tax reform to ease pressure on businesses and consumers.
Almaty is set for a 24/7 push as Tokayev orders upgrades to tourism, staffing and city lighting to spur SMEs and meet CNN Travel’s 2025 spotlight.
In a Jan 5 interview, Tokayev said the pre-New Year Kremlin meeting with Nazarbayev was informal and arranged at the ex-president’s request, addressing public speculation.
Kazhydromet warns of deteriorating air quality in Almaty and Atyrau on Jan 5 due to fog, weak winds and inversion; residents are urged to limit outdoor time and follow health guidance.
Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry urges motorists to trust official channels after clarifying on Jan. 5, 2026 that a viral WhatsApp audio about document rules is false.
Snow, fog and black ice are set to disrupt travel across Kazakhstan on Monday, with winds up to 15–23 m/s; see the regional breakdown and safety tips.
Snow, fog, ice and strong gusts are forecast Monday across multiple regions, with visibility dropping and travel disruptions possible in cities from Astana to Almaty.
A horrific incident has occurred in the Keles district of the Turkestan region. A 15-year-old schoolgirl gave birth to a child fathered by her 71-year-old neighbor. After the crime was revealed, enraged local residents caused a commotion, demanding that the suspect's family leave the village.