Kazakhstan has recorded the sharpest rise in gasoline prices among member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2025, according to new data from the Eurasian Economic Commission.

Retail fuel prices in the country climbed by 15.7 per cent between January and December, placing Kazakhstan at the top of the regional ranking, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Fuel prices rise fastest in Kazakhstan across the bloc

Kyrgyzstan ranked second with a 15.1 per cent increase, followed by Russia at 10.8 per cent. Belarus saw more moderate growth of 6.7 per cent, while Armenia was the only country to record a decline, with gasoline prices falling by 0.8 per cent. The average increase across the EAEU stood at 11.1 per cent.

On a monthly basis, Kazakhstan also led the region, with gasoline prices rising by 0.4 per cent in December compared to November-the highest monthly increase among member states.

Diesel prices followed a similar trend. Kazakhstan again topped the list with a 14.1 per cent annual increase, ahead of Kyrgyzstan (11.1 per cent), Russia (8.3 per cent), and Belarus (6.6 per cent), while Armenia recorded a 0.9 per cent decline. The average diesel price increase across the union was 8.8 per cent.

Price liberalization drives increase

Kazakhstan’s leading position in fuel price growth was largely driven by the government’s decision to liberalize gasoline and diesel prices in January last year. Authorities ended direct price controls, allowing market forces to determine fuel costs, while pledging to prevent sudden spikes.

Amid rising inflation, the Energy Ministry later introduced a moratorium in October to halt further price increases at gas stations. The freeze was initially planned through March 2026, but officials recently said there is no immediate plan to lift the restriction, with the final decision resting with the government.

Electricity prices rise elsewhere, but Kazakhstan remains competitive

While fuel prices rose fastest in Kazakhstan, electricity costs increased more sharply in other EAEU countries. Kyrgyzstan saw the largest jump at 20.9 per cent, followed by Russia (13.1 per cent) and Belarus (11.9 per cent). Kazakhstan ranked fourth with an 8 per cent increase, while Armenia recorded minimal growth of 0.1 per cent.

Despite the recent increases, Kazakhstan still has the lowest gasoline prices in the EAEU in dollar terms. Fuel costs average about $0.46 per liter-significantly cheaper than Russia ($0.82), Kyrgyzstan ($0.87), Belarus ($0.88), and Armenia ($1.38).

Unified oil market could reshape prices across region

Starting next year, the EAEU plans to launch a unified oil and petroleum products market, which could gradually equalize fuel prices among member states. Until then, Kazakhstan continues to restrict gasoline and diesel exports-including to EAEU partners-except for limited pre-approved volumes.