The annual inflation rate in Kazakhstan eased to 12.2% in January 2026 from 12.3% in the previous month, marking its lowest level since August. Price growth slowed for housing and utilities (0.8% vs 1.2% in December), healthcare (0.9% vs 1.5%), and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (0.1% vs 0.2%). At the same time, costs held steady for clothing and footwear (1%), and restaurants and hotels (0.2%). Meanwhile, inflation increased for food and non-alcoholic drinks (5.4% vs 5.2%), transport (1.1% vs 1%), household items, appliances and routine home maintenance (0.5% vs 0.4%), recreation and culture (0.5% vs 0.3%), and restaurants and hotels (0.3% vs 0.2%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 1%, accelerating from 0.5% gain in the prior month.