Benazir Nurlanova, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce, reported on a recent meeting with representatives of the HoReCa association, noting that establishment owners are ready to offer discounts of up to 10% on delivery and takeout.
Deputy Janibek Abirov asked why the service charge was abolished if it ultimately led to price increases of not 10-15%, but 20-22%?
Director of the Antimonopoly Regulation Service Zhenaly Orozbaev confirmed that some establishments raised prices by 23%, while in other places the increase was only 4%.
Janibek Abirov urged the Ministry of Economy to acknowledge its mistake, pointing out that consumers managed their payments well when a service charge was in place, and now everyone is noting the price increases. He also asked the deputy minister if the agency plans to reinstate the service charge.
In response, Benazir Nurlanova stated that the Ministry of Economy and Commerce is not currently considering the possibility of reinstating the service charge.
As of January 1, 2026, the additional 15% fee for services in cafes and restaurants was abolished. This decision was made at the request of the presidential administration in response to numerous consumer complaints.
