Effective June 27, 2026, JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy introduced a 0.3 discount index, providing a 70% discount on tariffs for mainline railway and locomotive traction services for the transportation of socially important food products within the republic, as well as wheat to domestic flour mills and bakeries, according to APK News. The measure is part of the Comprehensive Plan to Increase Population Incomes for 2026–2029, approved by a resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and aims to reduce food costs and curb food inflation. The reduced index applies to wheat transportation to 23 destinations including Atyrau, Beineu, Aktau-Port, and others. JSC Astyk Trans announced it will maintain its current rates for grain car provision on established routes, supporting the initiative.
As a result, the total cost of rail transportation is expected to decrease by 15-40%, depending on distance. JSC Astyk Trans noted it has supported domestic flour mills for many years by applying minimum rates for grain railcars on domestic routes, reducing transport congestion and maintaining stable operations of domestic processors.