Video: What is Happening in Kazakhstan

If we briefly present what is happening in Kazakhstan, the situation can be summarized as follows:

• Since January 1, purchases of liquefied petroleum gas in the country have been made entirely at market prices, based on supply and demand balance.
• The authorities clarified that until now this type of fuel has been sold below production costs, with producers selling it at a loss.
• The average wholesale price for liquefied gas supplies in January was set at 78 tenge per liter as a result of auctions, while the retail price ranged from 100 to 120 tenge.
• The increase in fuel prices has sparked public discontent in the Mangistau region, primarily in Aktau and Zhanaozen, where demands for price reductions of 120 to 60 tenge have begun.
• The President of Kazakhstan has instructed to understand the situation, a special government commission has been created, and an investigation into price manipulation against the owners of gas stations has been initiated.
• The owners of gas stations in the Mangistau region decided to reduce the price of fuel to 85-90 tenge per liter, and today, as a result of negotiations between the authorities and protesters in the region, the price is set to decrease to 50 tenge.
• Today, fuel protests have spread to several other cities in Kazakhstan. The President has called on protesters not to heed destructive calls.
• It should be noted that protesters in Kazakhstan are not planning to leave, even if the authorities promise a reduction in gas prices. In the center of Aktobe city, protesters are lighting a fire in front of the administration building and evidently intend to stay there overnight.
• Spontaneous unrest and clashes with security forces are occurring in many other cities in Kazakhstan. Residents are already raising new demands to reduce food prices and address unemployment issues.
• The government is also deploying military personnel, but protesters are blocking their movements. According to reports by the media, there are also internet issues in the country, presumed to be a deliberate action by the authorities.