Tengrinews.kz - Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Almassadam Satkaliyev, outlined the key reasons for lifting state regulation on gasoline prices.
When asked whether fuel prices could have been raised only for foreigners while remaining unchanged for Kazakh citizens, Satkaliyev clarified that the decision was not driven by neighboring countries but by several internal factors.
"We are not increasing prices for the sake of bordering states. There are multiple reasons that have been discussed many times: improving infrastructure, creating favorable conditions for oil extraction in Kazakhstan, securing the domestic oil supply, generating jobs, and developing new oil refining capacities," he said at a briefing.
According to Satkaliyev, all these measures require a fair return on investment.
"These plans are in place and are part of a broader program aimed at achieving these goals. The priority is to ensure the domestic market is supplied with locally produced petroleum products," he added.
Reminder: Kazakhstan has officially abolished state regulation of gasoline and diesel fuel prices. The order was signed by the Minister of Energy and will take effect at midnight on January 30.