A comprehensive monitoring conducted at the Dina wholesale market in Ust-Kamenogorsk has revealed facts of excessive price increases on socially significant products. One of the individual entrepreneurs sold vegetables at prices several times higher than the legally established limit.
Analysis of electronic invoices showed a significant difference between purchase and sale prices. In February, the entrepreneur purchased over 30 tons of potatoes from the Abai region at 150 tenge per kilogram, and in March resold them at 250–280 tenge. The actual markup ranged from 70% to 86%.
A similar situation was observed with other products. Cabbage purchased from agricultural producers at 130 tenge was sold at 200–220 tenge (markup up to 69%). Carrots were resold with a 35% markup, reaching 230 tenge per kilogram. These vegetables then ended up on store shelves, where another trade markup was added.
Materials on these facts were reviewed by the regional commission. Currently, documents are being prepared for an unscheduled inspection. If violations are officially confirmed, the entrepreneur faces administrative liability and an order to forcibly reduce prices.
The Department of Trade of the East Kazakhstan Region reminds that, according to the law, the maximum markup on socially significant goods should not exceed 15%.
