(30 January 2026 | Source: Centralmedia24.kz)
The regional branch of QazaqGaz Aimaq JSC in Shymkent has been ordered to recalculate bills in favour of 1,755 consumers. The Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition (APDC) found an abuse of a dominant position. The total amount to be refunded will be 80.9 million tenge.
The branch of the gas distribution company in Shymkent must compensate consumers tens of millions of tenge following an antimonopoly investigation. The APDC stated that the company violated the rights of subscribers by using its position in the market, and ordered it to remedy the consequences.
WHAT THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED
Staff from the department of the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition (APDC) conducted an inspection of the activities of the regional production branch of QazaqGaz Aimaq JSC, reports Centralmedia24.kz.
According to the agency, the company infringed the legal rights of 1,755 consumers. The agency classified the branch's actions as a violation of Article 174 of the Entrepreneurial Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan — "Abuse of a dominant or monopoly position".
WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN
Following the inspection, the antimonopoly authority issued an order to the company:
- to cease violations of legislation in the field of competition protection;
- to remedy their consequences;
- to carry out a recalculation of charges.
As emphasised by the APDC, to restore the initial situation, a refund of funds totalling 80.9 million tenge is provided for.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR CONSUMERS
The recalculation will affect all 1,755 subscribers whose rights were violated. This concerns a refund of previously charged amounts. Additional details of the compensation mechanism are not provided in the statement.
Earlier, the FBPC editorial office reported that in Kostanay, a branch of QazaqGaz Aimaq JSC illegally charged fees for gas connection services, which by law should be provided free of charge. Following an inspection, the company was fined and also ordered to return 118.9 million tenge to consumers.