Kazakhstan PM orders price controls as fuel moratorium ends
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has directed the government to prevent sharp increases in retail fuel prices and utility tariffs following the end of a moratorium. The moratorium, implemented amid rising inflation, expired on March 31. This directive comes as inflationary pressures persist in the country.
Government Directive
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov instructed the Ministry of National Economy, Ministry of Energy, and Ministry of Industry and Construction to ensure price stability. The directive aims to prevent sudden increases in retail fuel prices and utility tariffs. This follows the expiration of a moratorium that was in place from October 16, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The moratorium was initially introduced to curb inflationary pressures.
Inflationary Pressures
Kazakhstan has been experiencing rising inflation, prompting government intervention. The inflation rate accelerated significantly in the latter half of 2025. The moratorium was one of several measures aimed at stabilizing the economy. Despite these efforts, inflation remains a concern for policymakers and consumers alike.
Government Resignation and Protests
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev accepted the resignation of the government on Wednesday following violent protests over surging fuel prices. Protesters stormed and set fire to government offices in Almaty. Tokayev named Alikhan Smailov as the new prime minister.
Fuel Price Protests and Government Resignation
The transcript reports that mass protests over high fuel prices led to the resignation of the government in Kazakhstan. This event is not mentioned in the existing article, which focuses on a government directive to stabilize prices and a moratorium that expired in 2026.
What's Next
The government is expected to monitor the situation closely in the coming months. It remains unclear how effectively the ministries will manage price stability amid ongoing economic challenges.
3 sources
Kazakhstan PM orders price controls as fuel moratorium ends
