Kazakhstan considers price caps on more staple foods to curb inflationThe Kazakh government is analyzing a potential expansion of its list of staple foods subject to price controls, following a meeting on inflation stabilization.The meeting was held last Saturday under the chairmanship of First Vice Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, the government's press service reported Sunday."The analysis of food inflation nationwide identified 30 goods not currently on the list that are significantly driving price increases. These include various meats, fresh fish, apples, pears, lemons, tea, cheese, cold-smoked mackerel, bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers and other goods," Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration Aizhan Bizhanova said.  She noted some products have high import dependency, while others mainly affect short-term monthly inflation rather than annual rates.From this list, 23 items have been shortlisted for possible inclusion. Expanding the list would require businesses to adhere to a mandated maximum 15% trade markup and ensure transaction transparency for these goods, measures aimed at curbing prices.Following the meeting, Zhumangarin directed the Ministry of Trade and Integration to discuss each proposed item with the business community, industry associations, and the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, and to conduct an additional analysis of import structures. "Final decisions will be made only after consultations with business groups," the government said.The government also reported that prices for state-regulated staple foods showed no increase for the third week of November. Despite this recent stability, the Ministry of Trade noted that in October, the largest contributors to the monthly food inflation rate were tomatoes (15.8%), minced meat (3%), boneless beef (2.2%), horse meat with bones (1.5%), cucumbers (7.4%), fresh fish (2.6%), and bananas (2.8%). However, when compared to the same ten-month period a year earlier, prices for tomatoes and cucumbers have fallen significantly, down 36.6% and 43.4% respectively. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX