Imankulov noted that meat falls into the category of socially significant goods. Due to the shortage and unjustified price increases, temporary state regulation was introduced in August of last year.
“In August, when problems with shortages and prices arose, we made the decision to temporarily regulate meat prices,” he explained.
As a result, maximum prices were set: 680 soms per kilogram of beef and 690 soms per kilogram of lamb.
“It is important to clarify that this refers specifically to bone-in meat. We emphasize this because consumers may confuse it with fillet or boneless meat,” added Imankulov.
He specified that fillet and boneless meat are not subject to state regulation, and their prices are determined under market conditions. The regulation includes bone-in beef and lamb, including sinews and bones, which are sold in markets and stores.
According to the deputy chairman, price regulation was introduced in August, which was then extended in November until the end of December and for one more month later.
“This issue is under constant control of the government and relevant ministries. We conduct monitoring daily, and our staff regularly work on-site,” he reported.
Imankulov also noted that local authorities are actively involved in the process of stabilizing prices. In Bishkek, market raids are conducted through the joint efforts of the mayor's office, district administrations, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, and law enforcement agencies in cooperation with the antimonopoly service.
He reminded that all actions are carried out in accordance with the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 455, which establishes joint control when introducing state price regulation.
Since the start of meat regulation, the amount of imposed fines has exceeded 600,000 soms.
“This is an unprecedented figure. In previous years, such volumes of fines were not recorded,” noted the deputy chairman of the service.
According to him, in some cases, the price increase was caused not by the actions of individual sellers but by the actions of intermediaries and groups of individuals, including producers.
“Materials on these facts have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Currently, inspections are being conducted, and those responsible will face the penalties provided by law,” added Imankulov.
