Kazakhstan’s annual inflation rises to 10% in MarchInflation in Kazakhstan accelerated to 10% in March on an annual basis, up from 9.4% in February, according to the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms.Monthly inflation stood at 1.3%, slowing from 1.5% in February. Analysts surveyed by Interfax-Kazakhstan had projected that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) would rise between 9.5% and 13.9% by the end of March. The Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan (AFK) made the most accurate forecast, predicting inflation within a range of 9.7–9.9%.Over the past year, prices for paid services rose by 14.3%, non-food goods increased by 9.1%, and food products were up by 7.6%.Utility costs surged, with cold water prices jumping 88.4%, sewage services up 23.7%, central heating rising 19%, electricity up 14.3%, and gas supply 13.3%. The price of liquefied gas in cylinders increased by 23%, while firewood rose by 14.8%.Rental prices increased by 14.9%, while vacation package costs soared by 47.3%. Prices for telecommunications services grew by 13.9%.Transportation expenses also climbed, with rail fares increasing by 23.6%, urban bus fares up by 11.2%, and air travel costs rising by 10%.Among consumer goods, audiovisual equipment saw a sharp rise of 48%, while jewelry and watches increased by 26.6%, and new cars became 21.6% more expensive. Food prices showed mixed trends, with potatoes rising by 66.4% and onions by 32.2%, while buckwheat prices dropped by 17.7% and eggs by 8.3%.Inflation exceeded the national average in several regions, with Astana recording the highest rate at 13.3%, followed by the regions of Karaganda at 12.1% and Akmola at 12%.The National Bank of Kazakhstan aims to bring inflation down to around 5% in the medium term. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX