“It all depends on your means“ - Trade Minister on Kazakhstanis' grocery baskets

Tengrinews.kz - Whether Kazakhstanis will consume fewer staple foods after the VAT increase depends on their financial capabilities, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev stated.
On the sidelines of the Mazhilis, a journalist asked how the grocery basket of Kazakhstanis might change once the reforms take effect.
Shakkaliyev responded that while the contents of the basket would remain the same, consumption patterns could shift.

"There are 54 items in the grocery basket. It's extensive, and it won't change. But you're asking whether the structure of consumption will change. That always depends on a person's financial situation. There is a concept called 'substitute goods'—alternatives to certain products. For example, if you can't afford beef, you might buy chicken or horse meat instead. Economic changes always influence consumption patterns," the minister explained.

He added that the ministry's priority is to ensure the availability of all items in the basket while keeping markups on socially significant goods within legally established limits.

"We strictly monitor that. But ultimately, it all depends on your means. Some days, you might be able to afford certain products, while on others, you might not," Shakkaliyev said.

He also noted that he could not predict whether some Kazakhstanis would become vegans or, conversely, consume more meat.
Earlier, Shakkaliyev addressed concerns about potential price increases following the VAT hike.