Kazakhstan takes action against rising potato prices

Potato prices in Kazakhstan have risen sharply in recent weeks, prompting the Ministry of Trade and Integration to investigate intermediaries responsible for the increases. Since January, 20 regional commissions have identified 49 instances where traders exceeded the permitted 15% markup on potatoes, leading to administrative penalties, according to local media.

Efforts to stabilize the market are yielding results. In Astana, retail potato prices have decreased to between 185 and 280 tenge per kilogram, approximately $0.35 to $0.54 (based on an exchange rate of 1 KZT = 0.0019 USD as of January 24, 2025). Nationally, the average price is 322 tenge per kilogram, or about $0.61. The government assures that sufficient potato stocks are available in social stores, where prices remain below market rates.

Significant differences in prices are observed across regions. In early January, Aktobe saw prices below 200 tenge per kilogram (around $0.38), which doubled within a week, with some potatoes being of poor quality. In Zhetysu, a region known for potato farming, prices have surpassed 400 tenge per kilogram (approximately $0.76), though the quality is reportedly better. In Pavlodar, local potatoes are selling for 400 tenge per kilogram, while in Kyzylorda, potatoes from Pavlodar are priced at 360 tenge per kilogram (about $0.68).

Kazakhstan's potato production in 2024 totaled 2.9 million tons, surpassing the country's annual demand of 2 million tons. Authorities are actively working to stabilize prices and maintain balance in the market.

source: tengrinews.kz

photo: chilorg.chil.me