In Ust-Kamenogorsk, prices for socially important food products have generally remained stable since the beginning of the year. At the same time, a significant decrease in prices is noted for certain types of products. Thus, in the city, the price of cucumbers decreased by 51% and became half the level of the beginning of the year. Tomatoes also fell in price by 45%.

The Department of Trade and Consumer Protection of the East Kazakhstan Region, based on data from the Bureau of National Statistics, conducted an analysis of price changes for January–August 2026. According to its results, the overall price index for socially important food products in Ust-Kamenogorsk amounted to 101.0%. This is lower than the national average (101.4%).

The most noticeable price decrease is observed for vegetable products. In addition to cucumbers and tomatoes, the price of polished rice has decreased by 6.7% since the beginning of the year. At the same time, the price of wheat bread made from first-grade flour remained at the January level — the index amounted to 100.0%.

The cost of bone-in beef has remained virtually unchanged since the beginning of the year — the index amounted to 100.7% (an increase of only 0.7%). The price of poultry meat also remains stable — index 100.2%.

At the same time, due to the transition to the new harvest, a seasonal price increase is observed for a number of vegetables. Carrots rose in price by 57.4%, onions — by 51.4%, potatoes — by 30.9%. The price of lamb increased by 19.5%, minced meat — by 9.1%. Butter rose in price by 3.2%, hard cheese — by 1.1%.

To reduce the impact of seasonal changes on the market, work is underway in the region to form food reserves. In particular, replenishment of the stabilization fund is envisaged through direct purchases of the new harvest of potatoes, onions, cabbage, and carrots from local farmers. The collected products will be used in the autumn-winter period to provide the market with necessary goods and prevent sharp price increases.

In order for residents to be able to purchase products directly from producers and at affordable prices, farmers' fairs are also regularly held in the region. Here, goods are offered at prices 15–20% lower than in stores. Since the beginning of the year, 421 fairs have been held in the region.

To prevent unjustified price increases, control in retail facilities has also been strengthened. Monitoring of compliance with the established 15% maximum trade markup on socially important food products is carried out on an ongoing basis. Based on the results of control, 75 administrative measures have been applied against entrepreneurs who committed violations.

In addition, as a result of the work of the regional commission, more than 10 unproductive intermediaries have been excluded from the supply chain of goods. This allows reducing unjustified markups on the way from producer to consumer and lowering the final cost of products.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1287431?lang=ru