The government of Kazakhstan has imposed a nationwide freeze on fuel and utility prices starting October 16, 2025, in a bid to curb inflation and protect household welfare. The moratorium will remain in effect until the end of the first quarter of 2026.

According to an official statement, the price cap applies to AI-92 gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as tariffs for essential utilities — including water, electricity, and natural gas — for all consumer groups.

The decision comes in response to accelerating inflation and aims to stabilize domestic prices. Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov has instructed the Ministry of Energy, the Agency for Protection and Development of Competition, and regional administrations to enforce the moratorium and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply to the domestic market.

The government also pledged to prevent price hikes on socially significant food products by increasing financial support to local agricultural producers.

In addition, the authorities plan to double the volume of subsidized mortgage lending to improve housing affordability, addressing a shortage of mortgage programs caused by recent increases in the national base interest rate.

The government stated that these measures are aimed at “ensuring macroeconomic stability and mitigating the negative effects of ongoing economic reforms.”

The announcement comes amid public sensitivity to price surges. In January 2022, Kazakhstan faced mass protests triggered by a sudden spike in liquefied gas prices — unrest that prompted the government to seek more proactive price control measures.

Officials now hope the current interventions will prevent similar unrest and maintain economic stability across the country.