Astana is taking measures to ensure the affordability and price stability of socially important food products. This is one of the key areas of work for the capital’s city administration and the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection for Astana. For the city, it is important not only to respond promptly to price changes but also to take preventive measures to curb price increases. This was discussed in detail at a briefing held at the Astana City Communications Serviceby Maksat Zhanabayev, Deputy Head of the Astana City Department for Investment and Entrepreneurship Development, and Yerkebulan Tagashov, Head of the Department of Trade and Consumer Protection for Astana.

According to the speakers, prices for socially important food products in Astana have risen by 1.3% since the beginning of the year, below the national average of 1.5%. In terms of the rate of price growth, the capital ranks 14th–15th among Kazakhstan’s 20 regions.

For comparison, in 2025, prices for socially important food products increased by 7.4% in Astana, compared with 8.6% nationwide. In 2024, prices declined by 1.1% in the capitaland by an average of 1.4% across Kazakhstan.

“Price growth is being contained through the timely supply of the required volumes of food products to the city, direct deliveries from producers, and a reduction in the number of intermediaries.

To keep prices stable, the capital arranges supplies of socially important food products directly from agricultural producers in advance. Under the revolving financing mechanism, contracts have already been signed for more than 18,000 tonnes of socially important food products. Supplies come from the Turkistan, Akmola, Kyzylorda, Zhambyl, Kostanay, and Aktobe regions.

More than 190 retail outlets across the capital are involved in selling these products. This mechanism helps ensure sufficient food supplies for the city while minimizing the number of intermediaries in the supply chain.

The Department of Trade and Consumer Protection for Astana regularly monitors compliance with the established 15% maximum retail markup on socially important food products. Weekly monitoring is conducted at supermarkets, markets, and neighborhood stores. Supply chains are also reviewed to identify unjustified resale practices and price increases by intermediaries,” the officials said.

Since the beginning of the year, the regional commission has held 70 meetings and identified 136 violations. Administrative measures totaling more than KZT 1.8 million have been imposed in connection with the violations identified.

From September 19 to October 25, agricultural fairs will be held in Astana. Every weekend, residents of the capital will be able to purchase products directly from domestic producers.

Producers from 13 regions of Kazakhstan will take part in the fairs. The main principle is “from farm to market.” Direct supplies help reduce the number of intermediaries and keep prices affordable for consumers.

The agricultural fairs will be held on the following dates:

September 19–20 — Kyzylorda and Atyrau regions;

September 26–27 — Abai, Almaty, and Mangystau regions;

October 3–4 — East Kazakhstan and Aktobe regions;

October 10–11 — Turkistan and West Kazakhstan regions;

October 17–18 — North Kazakhstan and Ulytau regions;

October 24–25 — Karaganda and Kostanay regions.

Thus, residents of the capital will have an opportunity to purchase agricultural products directly from producers almost every weekend.

Astana is also implementing projects aimed at developing domestic production and strengthening food security.

Currently, seven investment projects worth a total of KZT 180 billion are being implemented. They are expected to create around 1,600 jobs. This year, two projects worth KZT 12.2 billion have already been launched in the meat and dairy processing sectors.

The capital is also modernizing seven markets: Ulzhan, Altai, Shanghai – Kok Bazar, Saryarka, Central Market, Alash, and Sharyn.

“Following inspections, market owners were issued orders to address identified deficiencies as well as formal warnings. Work to bring these facilities into compliance with established requirements is ongoing.

The Department of Trade and Consumer Protection for Astana receives requests and complaints from residents and monitors compliance with trade legislation.

Ahead of the autumn and winter period, the main focus will be on monitoring compliance with the 15% maximum retail markup on socially important food products, ensuring direct supplies from producers, and reducing the number of intermediaries. The comprehensive measures being taken are aimed at maintaining food supply stability and ensuring that socially important food products remain affordable for residents of the capital,” the speakers concluded.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/astana-uir/press/news/details/1290050?lang=ru