Kazakhstan has recorded the steepest rise in gasoline prices among member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2025, according to new figures released by the Eurasian Economic Commission.
Retail fuel prices in the country increased by 15.7 percent between January and December, placing Kazakhstan at the top of the regional ranking, The Caspian Post reported, citing Kazakh media.
Kazakhstan Leads Regional Fuel Price Growth
Kyrgyzstan followed closely with a 15.1 percent rise, while Russia recorded a 10.8 percent increase. Belarus saw more moderate growth of 6.7 percent, and Armenia was the only member state to register a decline, with gasoline prices falling by 0.8 percent. Across the bloc, the average increase reached 11.1 percent.
On a monthly basis, Kazakhstan also led the region, with gasoline prices rising by 0.4 percent in December compared with November — the highest monthly increase among EAEU countries.
Diesel prices mirrored the same pattern. Kazakhstan again ranked first with a 14.1 percent annual increase, ahead of Kyrgyzstan (11.1 percent), Russia (8.3 percent), and Belarus (6.6 percent), while Armenia recorded a 0.9 percent decline. The average diesel price rise across the union stood at 8.8 percent.
Price Liberalization Behind the Spike
Kazakhstan’s sharp increase was largely driven by the government’s decision to liberalize gasoline and diesel prices in January last year. Authorities removed direct price controls, allowing market forces to determine fuel costs while pledging to prevent abrupt spikes.
As inflationary pressures grew, the Energy Ministry introduced a moratorium in October to halt further price increases at filling stations. Initially set to remain in place through March 2026, officials have since indicated there is no immediate plan to lift the restriction, leaving the final decision to the government.
Electricity Costs Rise Faster Elsewhere
Although fuel prices climbed fastest in Kazakhstan, electricity tariffs increased more sharply in other EAEU countries. Kyrgyzstan recorded the largest jump at 20.9 percent, followed by Russia (13.1 percent) and Belarus (11.9 percent). Kazakhstan ranked fourth with an 8 percent rise, while Armenia saw minimal growth of 0.1 percent.
Despite recent increases, Kazakhstan still maintains the lowest gasoline prices in the EAEU in dollar terms, averaging about $0.46 per liter — significantly cheaper than Russia ($0.82), Kyrgyzstan ($0.87), Belarus ($0.88), and Armenia ($1.38).
Unified Oil Market May Reshape Regional Prices
The EAEU plans to launch a unified oil and petroleum products market next year, a move expected to gradually narrow fuel price differences among member states. Until then, Kazakhstan continues to restrict gasoline and diesel exports — including to EAEU partners — allowing only limited pre-approved volumes.
