Yo, Here's the Lowdown on Kazakhstan's News! 🤘
Fresh updates on fuel prices and recent happenings in Kazakhstan
Hey there! We got the 411 for ya on what went down in Kazakhstan last Friday, May 2. Let's dive right in!
1. Got Graduation on the Brain? Here's the Skinny
The Ministry of Education dropped the bombshell that due to the academic year's official end falling on a Sunday, 11th graders' graduation ceremonies will happen on May 23 or 24. Over 3.9 million students will bid adieu to their school days this year, with 217,000 grads walking the stage.Keep those caps and gowns ready!
2. Population Numbers: A Quick Check-in
As of April 1, 2025, around 20.3 million people call Kazakhstan home. Almost 4.5 million of those residents live in Almaty (2,305,765) and Turkestan region (2,154,308).
Almaty region (1,568,757) and Nur-Sultan (1,551,213) each have over 1.5 million inhabitants. The capital city holds the highest population growth rate in the country at 1.47%.
Over a million Kazakhstanis inhabit Shymkent (1,264,492), Zhambyl (1,221,100), and Karaganda (1,133,436) regions.
3. What's the Scoop on the "Most Expensive Bouquet"? Police Spill the Beans
The cats out of the bag: the chick who pinched a bouquet of rare tulips confessed her actions. Police have put her under house arrest and are investigating further. If she's convicted, she'll have to pay a hefty 12 million tenge fine.
4. Astana Skies: A UFO or Just a Hoax?
On the night of May 1, folks in Astana spotted a mysterious light in the sky. While some believe it's the real deal, an astronomer thinks it could be a crafty hoax for attention. He feels such videos stir up excitement on social media.
5. Organized Crime in Shymkent: License to Drive Unlawfully
An illegal driving license ring has been busted in Shymkent. These crooks dished out licenses in exchange for cash, and at least 500 people played along, avoiding standard procedures. In the crackdown, suspects' assets — including two private houses, two apartments, two land plots, and 10 vehicles — were seized, totaling over 200 million tenge.
6. Where's the Corruption Most Common? Peep the Map!
The Anti-Corruption Service spilled the beans on which regions of Kazakhstan see the most corruption. In 2024, 1,015 corruption crimes (75%) were recorded nationwide. The areas with the highest number of corruption offenses were:- Nur-Sultan (155 cases)- Shymkent (89)- Almaty (66)- Almaty region (68)- Aбай region (54)
7. Tank Up! Fuel and Diesel Prices Changing
The Kazakh government updated excise rates for gasoline and diesel fuel. The new rates kick off on May 11. Here's what you can expect:
- Wholesale: 38,134 tenge per tonne of gasoline, benzanol, gazohol, nefrasa, and eco-fuel; 35,726 tenge per tonne of diesel fuel
- Retail (producers): 38,634 tenge per tonne of gasoline, benzanol, gazohol, nefrasa, and eco-fuel; 35,786 tenge per tonne of diesel fuel
- Retail (final consumer): 500 tenge per tonne of gasoline, benzanol, gazohol, nefrasa, and eco-fuel; 60 tenge per tonne of diesel fuel
8. National Bank Talks Tenge Exchange Rate
The National Bank gave the lowdown on the foreign exchange market and the tenge's exchange rate. In April, the tenge weakened by 1.6%, hitting 512.48 tenge per dollar. The total trading volume on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange was 5.4 billion dollars. In the short term, the tenge's dynamics depend on market participants' expectations, tax payments, global market situations, and geopolitical changes.
9. Oops! Airplane Hits Bird During Landing
On May 1, a passenger flight from Shymkent to Astana struck a bird during landing at the international airport. Thankfully, the bird strike only damaged a part of the aircraft, requiring technical inspection and component replacement.
10. Potato Prices Got You Feeling Frustrated? Get the Facts Straight!
Social media users are fuming over the increase in potato prices, particularly in Almaty. Fresh video has surfaced of a woman shocked at the 1,300 tenge per kilogram potato cost at a local supermarket. Retail networks clarified why potatoes are so pricey.
11. Fireworks Galore in Astana – May 9!
Get ready for a spectacular fireworks display on May 9 in Astana to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The show will light up the sky from two locations: Botanical Garden and the area adjacent to the "Atyrau" bridge. Each location will feature around 4,000 shots. The event was made possible with sponsorship.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember: Sharing's caring! 😉🚀⭐️
- The stolen bouquet of rare tulips was worth 12 million tenge, a hefty fine for the confessed thief.
- With over 3.9 million students preparing for graduation on May 23 or 24, Kazakhstan has a population of approximately 20.3 million people.
- Organized crime in Shymkent has led to an illegal driving license ring, with around 500 people participating and assets totaling over 200 million tenge seized.
- In 2024, 1,015 corruption crimes were recorded nationwide, with Nur-Sultan (155 cases), Shymkent (89), Almaty (66), Almaty region (68), and Aбаy region (54) being the most affected.
