Kazakh National Economy Ministry estimates contribution of tariff growth in 2026 to inflation at 0.35 p.p

ASTANA. April 3 (Interfax) - The contribution of increases in tariffs for regulated services and fuel prices to inflation in Kazakhstan in 2026 will not exceed 0.35 percentage points (p.p.), the Kazakh National Economy Ministry said.

The moratorium on increasing tariffs for utilities and fuel introduced in October last year made it possible to stabilize annual inflation, which has been slowing for the sixth consecutive month from 12.9% in September last year to 11% in March this year, the ministry said.

In terms of regulated services, the restraint on tariffs was ensured by optimizing the operating expenses of natural monopoly entities, it said.

During the moratorium period, the ministry's committee for regulating natural monopolies carried out recalculations as part of the national project Modernization of the Energy and Utility Sectors.

"From April 1, tariff policy will be conducted with restraint; the financial burden on citizens will remain minimal," the ministry said.

To restrain prices for socially significant food products, electricity and railway transportation tariffs for their producers will be reduced by up to 70%.

Targeted support measures, including compensation for utility costs, will be maintained for socially vulnerable categories of citizens.

As reported, Kazakhstan introduced a moratorium on further price increases for the mass-market AI-92 grade of gasoline and diesel fuel from October 16, 2025. Also from October 2025, the increase in utility tariffs for all consumer groups was suspended until the end of Q1 2026.