In the North Kazakhstan region, control over prices for socially significant food products has been strengthened. Since the beginning of 2026, about 20 entrepreneurs in the region have already paid over 1.5 million tenge in fines to the budget for exceeding the maximum allowable trade markup.

This concerns goods included in the list of socially significant food products (SSFP), for which the state has established restrictions on the markup size. Among the most frequently identified violations are inflated prices for potatoes, carrots, rice, apples, and other basic food items. In some cases, the trade markup exceeded the permissible level by more than 50 percent.

The basis for conducting inspections was data from electronic invoices provided by the Department of State Revenues. Analysis of the documents allowed specialists to compare the purchase cost of products with the final price on the shelf and objectively assess the size of the applied markup. This approach eliminates subjectivity and allows relying solely on financial documents.

The department notes that control over compliance with price restrictions is carried out on an ongoing basis. The monitoring covers both large retail chains and neighborhood stores. If an excess of the allowable markup is detected, entrepreneurs are issued an order to eliminate the violations, and an administrative fine is imposed.

Experts emphasize that regulating prices for socially significant products is aimed primarily at protecting the interests of the population, especially socially vulnerable categories of citizens. In conditions of fluctuations in the food market and rising costs, the state seeks to curb unjustified price increases for essential goods.

The Department of Trade and Consumer Rights Protection reminds entrepreneurs of the need to strictly comply with legal requirements. Violations are recorded not only during scheduled inspections but also based on analytical work with digital data. According to specialists, this control format increases market transparency and promotes fair competition.

Work to stabilize the price situation in the region will continue. The authorities call on business representatives to consider the social significance of the goods they sell and to comply with the established trade markup norms to avoid penalties and maintain customer trust.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1173781?lang=kk