Kazakhstan’s annual inflation speeds up in 14 regions in January

According to the National Bank of Kazakhstan, annual inflation went up 14 regions and remained unchanged in six regions.

The country’s capital of Astana recorded the highest increase in the annual inflation rate.

The annual rate of food prices in January came in at 5.8%, up from a 5.5% on-year increase in December., with the highest growth recorded in Zhetysu region – 7.9% and the lowest in Turkestan region – 3.3%.

Non-food prices rose 8.4% in January compared with a year ago, up from 8.3% in December last year. Turkestan region recorded the highest annual inflation rate among non-food consumer price indices – 13.1% and Pavlodar region the lowest – 5.7%.

Prices for paid services in January increased 13.8% on-year, with the highest growth recorded in Astana – 17.8% and the lowest in Turkestan region – 9.3%.

Earlier it was reported that the consumer price index (CPI) had risen 1.1% in January, up from 0.9% in December last year.

During a government meeting, Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin said that a VAT increase might result in an additional increase of 3% in inflation.