Tariffs have been frozen, but there are exceptions. When might bills for Kyrgyz citizens rise?

In Kyrgyzstan, a one-year ban has been imposed on increasing tariffs, charges and the cost of state and municipal services for the public. However, this does not mean that all state and municipal charges will remain unchanged. The presidential decree allows for exceptions — for example, if an increase is necessary for energy security or the uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure. The Antimonopoly Service will now verify the validity of such decisions.

The mechanism is set out in a Cabinet of Ministers resolution dated 22 September. The reason for its adoption was the need to determine how to apply exceptions to the ban, namely who verifies the grounds for an increase, assesses the calculations and makes the final decision.

The moratorium itself was introduced by a decree of President Sadyr Zhaparov dated 10 July 2026 and has been in force since 24 July for a period of one year. It was introduced to curb the rise in the financial burden on the population and inflationary pressure. The ban covers increases in tariffs, charges, the cost of services and works, as well as other payments set by state bodies, local authorities, and state and municipal institutions and enterprises.

However, the presidential decree already provides for cases to which the freeze does not apply. These include ensuring energy, fuel, food, transport and other forms of economic security; maintaining the operation of strategically important sectors and critical infrastructure; and fulfilling the country’s international obligations.

A separate exemption has been made for state healthcare organisations participating in a pilot scheme under the presidential decree of 28 November 2025. This exemption remains in force until the scheme is concluded.

In practice, the procedure will be as follows: a body or enterprise planning to increase a charge submits supporting documentation to the Antimonopoly Service. The Service will then verify whether the situation does indeed fall under the exceptions to the moratorium and whether the proposed increase is supported by economic calculations.

Following the review, the Service will issue an opinion. The final decision rests with the authority or organisation legally responsible for the relevant tariff. This decision must be made in accordance with the Presidential Decree and the opinion of the antitrust authority.

Thus, a mere intention to increase a charge or the cost of a service is not sufficient; this requires the grounds set out in the decree and a review of the justification for the increase. At the same time, the Antimonopoly Service does not replace the departments authorised to set tariffs.