Kazakhstanis spend around 50% of their income on food. First Vice-Minister of National Economy Azamat Amrin said it is incorrect to compare these figures with developed countries due to differences in the structure of consumption.
WHY SPENDING ON FOOD DIFFERS
According to Azamat Amrin, in developed countries a significant portion of food costs is attributed to the service sector — restaurants, cafés, and breakfasts eaten out. In Kazakhstan, people more often buy groceries and cook at home.
“We mostly always cook and eat at home, so we buy groceries. Abroad, people generally eat more in restaurants and cafés, and have breakfast there, and for them it is considered a service,” said Azamat Amrin.
The vice-minister also explained that the consumer basket in Kazakhstan includes 508 items. Around 40% of them are food products, services, and non-food goods.
Earlier, the FBRK, citing data from the Bureau of National Statistics, reported that in 2025, 52.4% of consumer spending by Kazakhstani households was allocated to food. At the same time, the gap in meat consumption between the least and most well-off 10% of citizens exceeded threefold.
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH PRICES
According to Azamat Amrin, the peak of inflation occurred in September 2025, after which the rate of price growth began to decrease.
The department also reported a reduction in the cost of some socially significant goods. In particular, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cabbage have become cheaper by approximately 15%.
WHY THE OFFICIAL RECOMMENDS BUYING PRODUCE FROM FARMERS
Azamat Amrin suggested that Kazakhstanis buy produce directly from agricultural producers to reduce costs.
According to him, some families buy meat not in shops but in nearby villages. People make arrangements with villagers, purchase a whole calf, and then divide the meat among several families. As the official noted, this method allows them to lower the cost of the purchase.